SCHOOLCHILDREN across Bromsgrove, Rednal and Rubery have been celebrating Chinese new year with traditional food, arts and crafts, and fancy dress.

Youngsters at Play Days Playgroup at St Stephens Church used chopsticks during snack time, and created their own Chinese hats, painted dragon masks and dressed in red and gold for the occasion.

Playgroup leader Jules Kite-Lightfoot said: "As we live in a multi-cultured society, we feel it is important to celebrate and acknowledge a whole range of cultures, religions and festivals."

Reception children at St Peter's Catholic First School dressed as animals from the Chinese zodiac, designed their own dragons and 'happy new year' cards, and danced to traditional Chinese music.

Class teacher Grace Porter said: "The children had great fun and thorough enjoyed their day. They have learnt lot of interesting facts about the Chinese culture and by dressing up and taking part we held a great celebration."

Children at Bromsgrove Pre-Prep School learnt about the festival from senior school students.

Head of international education Julia Boonnak said: "There are educational benefits for all pupils when presenting Chinese new year. The older pupils learn about public speaking in front of a real audience, while the younger pupils get to learn first-hand the customs and traditions of a different culture."

Holly Hill Pre-School pupils in Rubery also decorated their own fans, made red envelopes with gold coins for good luck, and learnt about the history of Chinese new year.