Leeds' Chinese community celebrates Lunar New Year

Crowds watch a parading lion in the city's Merrion Centre

Leeds' Chinese community has celebrated Lunar New Year with a traditional lion dance.

Crowds also gathered in the city centre to take part in singing, dancing and art workshops.

New Vision Education Chinese School hosted events in The Merrion Centre on Saturday.

Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung said: "The New Year is all about renewal, it's all about growth and it's all about friendship and that's what we're about in Leeds."

She added: "Leeds is a very welcoming city; a city that has welcomed myself and my family."

Children from New Vision Education Chinese School perform traditional songs

According to the lord mayor, about 10,000 Chinese people live in Leeds, many of whom are students.

She said: "We are really and truly grateful for your contribution to this city. For your warmth and all that you stand for.

"We hope that as you continue to celebrate your culture you continue to be custodians of your culture and continue to integrate into the British culture as well.

"So as we celebrate today, we stand together with hope that each day of the next year is a blessing."

Joyce Cai, from New Vision Education Chinese School, says it is a great opportunity to celebrate Chinese culture

The events were organised by New Vision Education Chinese School and Leeds Chinese Community Association.

The Woodhouse-based school teaches languages Mandarin and Cantonese, along with Chinese dance and calligraphy.

Head teacher Joyce Cai said the event was a good opportunity for people to get together "to celebrate Chinese culture".

She added: "Chinese New Year is the biggest festival during the year, so families get together and children make Chinese lanterns and dragons for their good wishes.

"My family have a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, which I had with my parents who came all the way from China to celebrate with me."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.