A TASTE of the orient came to Powick when a pair of traditional giant Chinese dancing lions marked the opening of a new restaurant.

Worcester restaurateur, Frankie Tsang's latest venture is the revitalisation of the former Chanz eatery at Powick, transforming it into the New Four Seasons.

The grand opening was marked by a glittering party attended by 150 guests including personalities and civic leaders from across the county.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck, who attended with Mayoress Anne, cut the ribbon and officially opened the Malvern Road restaurant.

Councillor Derek Prodger, chairman of Worcestershire County Council and his wife, Mary, also attended, along with Malvern-based auctioneer and TV antiques expert Philip Serrell.

Guests entered their names into a draw and won various prizes including tickets to see Noel Coward's Private Lives at Malvern Theatres, a signed Worcester Warriors rugby ball and lunch at New Road to watch Worcester County Cricket Club.

Mr Tsang said: "It went extremely well. We had some fabulous traditional Chinese lion dancing and a Ken Hom lookalike gave a cookery demonstration. It was a wonderful evening and raised funds for the Leukaemia Care charity."

The New Four Seasons was built after Chanz, a restaurant on the same site, was destroyed by a fire.

Mr Tsang also owns the Four Seasons restaurant in Lowesmoor, Worcester, the Wok and Roll takeaways in Warndon Villages and Barnards Green, Malvern, the Orient Express takeaway in Bath Road and the Rooster in Upper Tything.

He is now gearing up for further celebrations to usher in the Chinese New Year at Worcester's Guildhall.

The Year of the Dog begins on Sunday, January 29.