The Havering economy is set to be given a massive boost thanks to the arrival of the Chinese media team for the Olympics.

A total of 130 members of the press from China arrived in Romford last week and will be staying at the Harefield Manor Hotel in Main Road, Romford until the end of the Games on August 14.

Paul Harris, manager of the hotel said: “It’s just a massive boost for the local economy.

“They are out everyday shopping in Romford and using the cabs and we have even had residents walking in off of the street saying how good it is, it is a great way of showing what we can do in Havering.”

The guests, who include Radio Beijing, the Chengdu Economic Daily and website QQ.com have transformed the hotel’s conservatory into a studio which they will use to interview the winning athletes.

The hotel will also be buzzing with a host of Olympians who will be wined and dined at the Victorian buillding.

The Albemarle Centre in Gooshays Drive, Harold Hill will be used as the team’s operational base where they will be doing inteviews and filming.

Among those being interviewed live at the hotel on Monday July 23 (today) as part of the first talk show program on the Olympics was Chinese concert pianist, Lang Lang,

He said: “The Olympics is going to be amazing.

“London is one of the capital cities of the world and to have the Olympics here is a real exchange of culture and sports.

“I have been in London many times, but it is my first time in Romford and it is very relaxing and the lifestyle here seems very beautiful.”

The Chinese media team got in touch with the hotel after seeing it advertised on the Visit Havering website.

Paul has spent more than �300,000 expanding the building in an effort to accommodate Olympic visitors.

He has even employed a Chinese chef called Yuk Kam Lou to prepare the team’s food during their stay.

Man Tao Leug, one of the Chinese presenters who will be based at the hotel for the two weeks said: “I will be interviewing the gold medalists and their parents because the family members are very important as well as the Olympians.

“I haven’t had time to explore the area, but Romford looks like a real nice town and it looks very picturesque.”