YOUNG volunteers are helping to put a bite into Chinese New Year celebrations.

Groups of young helpers will be helped by the region's Chinese community to make a traditional lion's head mask, which will be worn during the Chinese New Year good luck dance during a parade through Durham city centre on Saturday, February 4.

Workshops are being held at the city's Clayport Library, under the supervision of Shaka Brown, who runs Oceans Apart Kung Fu Club in the city and has performed the lion dance for the past three years.

He said: "They're seeing how much hard work goes into making the head.

"They will also be able to try out the dance that the lion does and some of the musical instruments that accompany the parade.

"If they pick up the routines and are good enough, some youngsters will be able to take part in the dance on the day itself."

Two workshops were staged on Saturday and a further two will be held at the library, in Millennium Place, on Saturday, at 10am and 2pm.

They are open to seven to 11-year-olds, but booking is advised, on 0191-386 4003.

* Durham Chinese School is holding an open day to mark the celebrations for the Year of the Dog.

The event includes children's workshops in calligraphy, origami, Chinese painting, followed by a lion dance concert at 2.30pm, rounding off with food tasting.

The open day is at Elvet Methodist Church, in Old Elvet, from 1pm to 4.30pm.