PENGUINS may be all the rage in Liverpool this winter, but a real “treasure of the sea” will be arriving in the city on Monday to promote next year’s World Expo.

The event mascot, Haibao – which is a traditionally lucky name in China, meaning “treasure of the sea” – will be in six locations across the city, including John Lennon Airport and Lime Street Station.

The statues are being positioned across the city to encourage residents to find out more about Liverpool’s plans for the World Expo.

Liverpool Vision’s director of investment and enterprise, Mike Taylor, said: “The arrival of Haibao is a really exciting part of the run-up to the World Expo in Shanghai next May.

“By welcoming Shanghai’s ambassador, Haibao, we are welcoming further business and friendship links which will really benefit Liverpool’s future.”

Liverpool is the only UK city to have its own presence in next year’s Expo in Shanghai, which organisers have forecast will attract 70m visitors. The six-month exhibition is predicted to deliver up to £50m over the next 10 years.

GET SET FOR EXPO: PAGE 13