THE Year of the Dog will be rang in by Darlington residents tomorrow with special performances to celebrate Chinese New Year.

A trio of traditional dances will be staged in the town centre by the Stuart Agars Harmonies Lion Dance Crew alongside gymnasts and a team of musicians.

Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “We’re delighted that once again residents and visitors to Darlington can join in the celebrations and witness this colourful spectacle.

“I hope lots of people will come out to support the event and, of course, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Chinese New Year.”

The first of three performances will take place at the Crown Street Library at 11.30am on Saturday, followed by two more at 12.30pm and 1.30pm at Joseph Pease Place.

The upcoming Chinese New Year officially begins on February 16 and ends on March 2 to hail the Year of the Dog – the eleventh of the Chinese zodiac animals.

Traditionally, the Year of the Dog is thought to be an unlucky period, particularly for those born in Dog zodiac years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 and 2006.