Charter flights have begun between Beijing and Birmingham Airport in a move bosses say will boost the West Midlands' economy by £19m a year.

Hainan Airlines is operating 34 direct flights between the cities - two per week - until 28 August.

The first arrived on Friday morning with 233 people on board.

Birmingham Airport is branding itself in China as "Shakespeare's airport" and promoting links to nearby Stratford-upon-Avon.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the new service would "showcase the West Midlands to thousands of visitors and potential investors." 

A spokesman for the airport said while the 34 planned flights would generate £19m annually for the West Midlands, the introduction of a daily schedule in the future could generate £62m for the region and £81m for the UK. 

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) plans to tour China next year to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Source: bbc.co.uk/news