A city Party chief in Central China has reached out to?Internet users?through his micro blog in an effort to quell criticism over pictures of him wearing a luxury watch.

Yang Yao, a leader in Macheng, Hubei province, made headlines after reports that primary-school students in his area had to bring their own desks to class because of a supply shortage.

Internet users instantly began to discuss his choice of timepiece?- a Longines watch.

However, on Sept 9, Yang took to Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like micro blog provider, to explain that he bought the electronic quartz watch six years ago.

He suggested netizens research the value of the watch. He also provided his personal e-mail address and invited questions about the issue.

Yang also said in the same post that authorities are working to correct the shortage of school desks and chairs as soon as possible.

The message was posted twice, at midnight and the following afternoon. As of Sept 10, it had received about 10,000 comments and been forwarded more than 10,000 times.

Comments ranged from harsh accusations to applause.