The visit was arranged by the British Council and the delegation was made up of members from key partner organisations in China's social enterprise sector.

While in Prestonpans, their host was local artist Andrew Crummy, convenor of the Prestoungrange Arts Festival and one of the founders of the Three Harbours Arts Festival.

The group had an opportunity to see how the Prestoungrange Gothenburg social business enterprise contributes to the life and well being of the local community, providing both economic and social benefits to the area.

Formation

The visit to East Lothian was part of a 10-day trip to the UK, during which the group has also visited the Office of Third Sector (Cabinet Office), UnLtd International, School for Social Entrepreneurs, Forth Sector and an number of other social enterprise in London and Edinburgh.

Yanni Peng, assistant director, Social Development, at the British Council in Beijing, said: "The aim of the visit is for the Chinese organisations to learn from British experience in the area of social enterprise and the development of skills for social entrepreneurs.

"We also hope it will lead to the formation of new and mutually beneficial partnerships in the future."

Andrew Crummy commented: "It is a pleasure to show this group round our community and explain to them the various initiatives we have going on here.

Connection

"From the seeds of the early days of the Prestoungrange Arts Festival 10 years ago, we now have a flourishing arts community here and a host of spin-off events and projects.

"It would be nice to think that there could be an on-going connection into the future and I'm sure we have much to learn from each other."