A CITY celebrated the Chinese New Year with a feast of activities yesterday (Saturday, February 21).

The Chinese Year of the Goat in Durham City got off to a promising start with Mayor Cllr John Robinson catching a lettuce spat out of a dancing lion – an act said to bring good luck for the years ahead.

Cllr Robinson said: "I tossed and turned the night before hoping I would catch it, because there has been a mayor before who has dropped it.

"I was told if I dropped it the city would get bad luck. Some people believe in that. So I made sure I caught it."

The striking lion costume, featuring expert dancers from Oceans Apart Kung Fu Club, proved a crowd-puller as it wound its way through the streets.

The display extended to Elvet Bridge and North Road for the first time this year.

Chinese students studying at Durham University had stalls on Durham Outdoor Market, inviting visitors to learn more about Chinese New Year and Chinese culture.

They also demonstrated Chinese calligraphy, Chinese knot making, paper cutting of the zodiac signs and a chopstick challenge.

A drop-in craft session at was also held at Clayport Library, giving children the chance to make a Chinese dragon.

Adam Deathe, business development manager of the Durham Business Improvement District, (Durham BID), said: “We were delighted to support the Lion Dance which reflects so much of the multi-cultural diversity in the city.

“We were particularly pleased to be able to support the event, extending the dance area into Elvet Bridge and North Road, so that more people could enjoy the spectacle.”