David Oliver from Larch Grove is one of only 100 students nationally to be awarded a prestigious Prime Minister's Global Fellowship.
The scheme is a new programme funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families in England, which recognises outstanding talent and enterprise. David, an upper sixth form student at Lancaster Royal Grammar School, will be joining other select school leavers across the UK on a six week foreign trip, travelling to either Brazil, India or China - although for martial arts enthusiast David it was an easy choice of destination.
A member of Garstang Martial Arts Club, David says: "I've always had a desire to travel to China, - so when the opportunity arose to go to Shanghai for six weeks I immediately applied.''
David will divide his time in China between a cultural programme, two weeks in an educational environment and two weeks on work experience with a firm of international standing.
To win the award David had to write essays about his proposed research project and pass a rigorous interview and workshop process.
He says: "The scheme allows me to get immersed in the Chinese culture as well as developing my own research project based on the business prospects in China. I hope my achievement inspires everyone of my age to apply for the Prime Minister's Global Fellowship award next year.''
When David returns from China he and his fellow Global Fellows will attend an international conference with the Prime Minister to share their experiences and insights.