THE trip of a life-time for Prestwich student Richard Halward is under threat after NATO bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade.

The 18-year-old is due to fly out to China on June 30 on a Thwaites Travel Scholarship. Part of the itinerary would involve staying and working with local families in She Tang Yu, X'ain and Shanghai.

But the Foreign Office this week warned Britons not to travel to the country following violent protests outside the British and US embassies after four people were killed in the attack on the embassy in Serbia.

Organisers of the trip, now in its 40th year, are monitoring the situation and making contingency plans to salvage the programme. Alternative arrangements such as a different destination are being considered. Richard (pictured), of Glebelands Road, is one of only nine students to qualify for the two-week scholarship run in conjunction with the Experiment for International Living. It was to include sight-seeing trips to the Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall as well as hands-on experience working and living with locals.

The student, who attends Bury College's Stand Centre, said: "I have not heard any details except what has been in the papers advising non-essential visits to be postponed.

"I am hoping that because it is still a long way off it will be alright, but if the strength of feeling is strong in China it might be quite uncomfortable staying with local families. We might end up going to Blackpool instead!" he joked.

A spokesman for Thwaites was optimistic the trip would continue but stressed the safety of students was paramount.

Richard added: "I will take any advice. I will not be too disappointed if I can't go as before Christmas I wasn't expecting to be going anywhere. China is one of the best places to go on a trip like this but if they find a substitute I am sure it will be acceptable."

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