CHILDREN at York schools have been working to design decorations to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Primary school children from Fishergate, Lord Deramore's and Osbaldwick schools have been working with artist Mei Yuk to design decorations for York's first Chinese arch, which will be used in the celebrations.

The National Centre for Early Music (NCEM) is co-ordinating a Chinese Festival to mark the Year of the Rooster on February 9.

There will be opportunities to hear traditional Peking opera, watch Chinese films and visit an Oriental market.

There will also be workshops on Chinese lantern making, percussion and movement and the festival will culminate in a vibrant Lantern and Lion Parade to mark the Chinese New Year.

The festival begins on January 22.

For more information visit www.ncem. co.uk/chinese or phone the box office on (01904) 658338 to request a brochure or book tickets.