CELEBRATIONS to mark the start of the Chinese New Year have been held in Newcastle.

A parade involving traditional dragon, lion and unicorn dancers wound its way through the city on Sunday.

For the third year running, it started at Old Eldon Square and finished with kung fu demonstrations and a fire-cracking finale at the Chinese Arch in Chinatown.

Jimmy Tsang, chairman of the North-East Chinese association said: “Newcastle’s Chinatown is a buzzing and vibrant part of this wonderful city with so many fantastic Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and the splendid Chinese Arch, but it also houses parts of the ancient city walls and lies close to St James’ Park, meaning it is at the very heart of the city.

“The parade is only one of a number of events and celebrations taking part in Newcastle this Chinese New Year and we hope that people come into the city and to Chinatown to witness the spectacle and to enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of the celebrations.

“I hope the Year of the Rat brings great fortune to the city and all its residents and visitors.”