Cabbie returns from Far East fare

The journey was part of a television programme

A London black-cab driver is completing his biggest fare - an 11,000 mile journey from China.

Tony Arnold will be arriving to a classical oriental welcome, provided by a troupe of Chinese lion dancers in Trafalgar Square, central London.

Mr Arnold took two passengers a couple of months ago for the journey which has been filmed for a bi-lingual television series.

It is hoped millions across China will see the programme and try to learn English as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2008.

Mr Arnold drove in the purpose-built TXII taxi across China to Russia, then towards northern Europe.

Organisers say he and his passengers enjoyed a number of cultural experiences en route which were all filmed.