Language schools in the UK do their best to offer students a really special experience - but few have gone as far as principal James Nicholls.

He has bought a round-the-world ocean-going yacht for his school in Torquay, and is hoping for good weather this summer so that students can use it on specialist courses and outings.

James, principal of the Riviera English School, says: "We are the only English language school in the UK to have our own yacht, so we can offer something unique. And of course England is a famous sailing destination."

Hundreds of people from all over the world have had the chance to improve their English for free after winning a competition run by the British Council in partnership with English UK.

English UK will be exhibiting at the Open Doors Education Fair in Sofia, Bulgaria on 24-25 January 2009.

English UK will be exhibiting at Gaudeamus 2009 in Prague, Czech Republic on 27-28 January 2009.

English language centres in the UK are overwhelmingly positive about business prospects for early 2009, despite the economic downturn.

Ninety per cent expect business to remain good or improve during the first quarter of next year, and even among centres reporting lower bookings a significant minority remain optimistic.

Most UK language centres experienced a dramatic upturn in business during 2008, and the sector expects to benefit further from the falling value of the pound which will make it particularly good value to learn English here.