BOOMING firecrackers began the Chinese New Year celebrations in Worcester.

With the sun shining, shoppers gathered to watch the Worcestershire Chinese Association event yesterday, which began with the traditional lighting of firecrackers outside the Guildhall, Worcester High Street.

Members of the Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu School from Hinckley, Leicestershire, impressed the crowds with their colourful lion dance which is believed to bring prosperity and happiness for the year ahead, followed by a traditional dragon dance intended to scare away evil spirits. Association secretary Irene Bartholomew, who helped organised the event, said: "More and more people come every year.

"We are so proud to share our culture and just pleased that Worcester people want to come and see this."

This Chinese New Year, which began on Thursday, February 7, is the year of the rat. Six-year-old Rebecca Crabbe, of Riverview Close, St John's, Worcester, was at yesterday's spectacular showcase with her mum Floss and brought along her own hand-made Chinese dragon.

"This is the first time we've come," said Mrs Crabbe, aged 32. "We thought it was brilliant." Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Stephen Inman said: "It's great to have something so different for the residents of Worcester to enjoy."