CHINESE New Year celebrations have been taking place across the North-East over the weekend.

The Mayor of Durham, Cllr Jan Blakey, caught the lucky lettuce as part of the traditional lion dance to welcome the Year of the Monkey.

Hundreds of people attended the annual event in the Market Place in Durham City on Saturday.

Cllr Blakey said: “There was a brilliant atmosphere and the kids were entranced by it. The lads who do it put on a really good show.

“I do not know how they keep their energy levels up. It was really, really good and there will have been a couple of hundred people there.”

The colourful and noisy display featured trained performers from Ocean’s Apart Kung Fu Club.

In keeping with tradition, the lion performed an energetic routine before eating the lucky lettuce, chewing it and subsequently spitting it out to the chosen recipient.

By catching the lettuce it is hoped Cllr Blakey, will bring good luck to the city for the coming year.

As one of only five Chinatowns in the country, Newcastle hosted its New Year celebrations today. (Sunday, February 14)

Thousands of people flocked to Stowell Street for a day of free Chinese events and performances for all the family.

At 12pm, a volley of firecrackers were let off to ward off evil spirits before singers and dancers lined the street for the traditional lion and dragon dances.

There were traditional Chinese arts and crafts and fun for all the family in the children’s marquee on Thornton Square, and the North East Chinese Association hosted an exhibition of Chinese costume, food, arts and crafts.

There was also a funfair and stalls featuring traditional arts and crafts and Chinese food at the market on Bath Lane.