Hundreds of people have been finding out what Chinese New Year is all about.

Eye of the dragon - Amelia Bacon, Sophie Harris and brother Daniel come face-to-face with a Chinese dragon at the new year celebrations. Inset: a little girl enjoys the entertainment. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (40828-2)

The year of the rooster was celebrated in Colchester town hall with a series of events aimed at giving visitors an insight into Chinese customs.

The organisers were also planning to start their fundraising for a planned Chinese school for children in the town.

The popularity of the event surprised and pleased organisers, with more than 400 tickets sold for the event.

"I can't really believe how many people we have here today. It's an excellent turnout," said borough council project and support manager Matthew Young.

Fay Chen, of the Colchester Chinese Culture Society, added: "There's so many people here, it's amazing."

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Published Monday, February 7, 2005

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