EXPLOSIVE firecrackers marked the start of the city's Chinese New Year celebrations yesterday.

A throng of people gathered outside the Guildhall on Worcester's High Street to watch the colourful spectacle, which included traditonal lion dances and even a noodle demonstration.

After the fireworks, which are said to ward off evil spirits, the Choy Lee Fut kung fu school, from Hinckley, Leicestershire, entertained the crowds with dramatic lion and dragon dances.

The energetic performance is intended to spread joy and happiness at the start of the new year and resulted in raucous applause from the audience.

The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Ian Imray, watched the festivities with his wife Joan.

He said: "It's just fantastic - very colourful and a real spectacle. It's brilliant to see so many people have turned out to watch again."

Following the events outside the Guildhall, members of the public were invited inside to continue the new year celebrations.

Coun Imray and chairman of the Worcester Chinese Association Frankie Tsang gave speeches, and students from the University of Worcester performed the Yang Ge dance as well as a Cantonese friendship song.

There was also a noodle-making demonstration and a presentation on the giving of Hong Bao, the red envelopes containing money that are traditionally given as gifts in Chinese society.

The annual extravaganza, organised by the Worcester Chinese Association, welcomed in the year of the golden pig.