Caelan Chambers, 18, is one of just 100 18 to 25 year olds selected for the trip, which is part of the British Council's Young Advocate Programme.

The former Buxton Community School pupil will fly out to Beijing on September 3. During his nine day trip he will tour China and see some of the Olympic and Paralympic venues as well as attending some Paralympic events. He will also attend educational workshops and work with young people from China and Hong Kong to share their views on sport and disability sport.When he returns, Caelan will then work with primary and secondary school pupils in the High Peak to share his experience and promote Beijing and the cultural differences between the two countries as well as disability sport.

Caelan, who will begin a BA (Hons) Social Work course at Sheffield Hallam University in September, said: "I am so excited to be going to Beijing. I am also looking forward to working with the kids and sharing what I have learnt when I get back."

He won his place on the trip after clocking up more than 250 voluntary hours through the Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy in the past year. He has passed his Sports Leaders UK Level three award and his volunteering work has included helping to organise summer sports activities as well as sporting events such as sports days at Buxton Community School.

His other volunteering roles include coaching at Buxton Athletics Club, officiating at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Birmingham, coaching at the Buxton Community Disability Sports Club and being a representative on the High Peak Disability Sports Forum.

Community Sports Development Officer Richard Gartside said: "Caelan is a perfect role model for young leaders and has shown a professional attitude in all the voluntary work he undertakes.

"If anybody deserves this trip it is Caelan because the stuff he does out in the community is amazing. "

Caelan's time in Beijing has been organised by the British Council, which is covering the cost of all activities in China, including food, accommodation and tour guides.

But he must meet his own travel expenses, and has been helped by contributions from Derbyshire Sport, Buxton Community School and the High Peak School Sports Partnership. He has also received individual contributions, including one from High Peak Borough Council Cllr Andrew Bingham.

l If any group or individual wishes to financially support Caelan's trip please contact Richard Gartside at Buxton Community Schools Sports College on 01298 212150, or e-mail rgartside@buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk