The City of Wolverhampton Council and Anqing in China have agreed to work together to improve education, culture, business and health in both cities.

The council has signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding’ with the Chinese city, enabling them to share ideas and collaborate in a range of different fields. The agreement is hoped to lead to a City Partnership between the two.

Leader of Wolverhampton Council, cllr Roger Lawrence, said: ‘There are common threads that tie our two cities together and we look forward to forging a strong partnership based on mutual understanding, cooperation and support.

‘I hope on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton and its people this is just the start of a blossoming relationship between our two countries and one that benefits all of our citizens.’

The agreement covers economics, trade, science and technology, culture, education, health and personnel.