A SOCIAL worker is swapping his home in Braintree to go over to southeast China to teach English.

Keven Lovelock is originally from Southampton but moved to Braintree 15 years ago.

Now he is about to embark on the biggest adventure of his life as he travels to Guangzhou to start work at a school.

Keven, who works for Family Mosaic, said: “A friend of mine who is a qualified teacher could not go and told me they were looking for someone.

“We hear of people going to New Zealand or Australia but you don’t hear about China.

“I am ex-cabin crew and I have been all over the world, but I have never even thought I would go to China - it happened very quickly.

Keven departs on September 26 and says he will be sad to leave behind the town he is proud to call home.

He said: “To be honest I am terrified but I know I have to be bold and brave.

“The job will be very rewarding. The children are very disciplined and they do not argue back.

“It is respectful and I think it is going to be very educating for me.

“I am really looking forward to understanding China, the real China.”

A huge football fan, Keven is also hoping to start up his own part time football club.

He said: “I just want to say thank you to the people of Braintree, sometimes we get a bad press, but there are some amazing people here.

“I have had 15 wonderful years here in Braintree and my family have been amazing and my friends.”