A CLASS of young children have become experts on all things Oriental after an in-depth project.

The reception class at Somers Park Primary School in Malvern spent a busy two weeks learning all about Chinese New Year, including all of its traditions and the ‘great race’ that took place between the zodiac animals, to welcome the Year of the Horse.

Numerous arts activities took place, such as composing their own Chinese music, learning to speak mandarin, dancing like a lion, making their own Chinese fans, lanterns and wall hangings and learning to write Chinese symbols.

The children even had fun in their cooking lessons making Chinese spring rolls and fortune cookies.

Professional dancers also treated the youngsters to a Chinese lion dance, with the class being inspired to make their own lion and perform their dances to the school's nursery classes.

The project was rounded off in style as the enjoyed a Chinese buffet while wearing the lucky colour red as they tucked into noodles, rice, prawn crackers and dumplings.