THE Chinese Year of the Dog came to Darlington town centre today (Saturday) - but Louie, the cockerpoo, wasn't too sure if it was a good idea.

Louie was visiting Darlington with owner Jill Elliott, from Huby, near York, when they came across a spectacular performance by the Six Harmonies Lion Dance Group.

The group, based at the Six Harmonies Kung Fu Club, are touring the north, bringing the colour of the Chinese New Year to town centres.

Group member Ruth Hampson, who combines being a Kung Fu instructor with running the Bean and Bud coffee shop in Harrogate, said: "It's a celebration of the Chinese culture and something we all enjoy."

Shoppers gathered to watch the musicians and dancers but Louie was left looking decidedly unsure.

"I think he's a bit worried about coming face to face with a Chinese lions and dragons," said Jill.