A plan to relax visa requirements for Chinese nationals has been welcomed by the man responsible for boosting business in Essex.

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said the current system will simplified to encourage more people from the country to visit and do business in the UK.

And the move has been welcomed by Councillor Kevin Bentley, cabinet member for economic Growth.

He said: ““Essex has long recognised the potential of developing closer and stronger links with China and we are reaping the rewards of our efforts.

"The simplification of the visa arrangements for Chinese visitors to this country will not just boost the ability of business across Essex and the UK to trade with China but will also have a major positive impact on our tourist trade.”

Phoenix Publishing and Media Group, based in Jiangsu Province, recently purchased the former Travelodge hotel on the A414 in North Weald.

It hopes to attract Chinese businessmen, tourists and schools to the hotel.