THE Chinese community in Worcestershire is preparing for its biggest festival of the year - the new year.

In China, the festival, which begins on Sunday, last for 10 days. However in Worcester the main community celebration will take place on Sunday, February 5, at the Guildhall.

Frankie Tsang, chairman of the Worcester Chinese Association, said: "This is one of the major festivals.

"In China, a lot of people live far away from their families and this is the only time they go back and see each other. That makes new year so special."

Mr Tsang, who runs also runs the Four Seasons Cantonese restaurant in Lowesmoor, Worcester, and the New Four Seasons in Malvern Road, Powick, near Worcester, said he was looking forward to the event at the Guildhall, which runs from noon to 3pm.

He said he wanted people from all communities, not just Chinese, to attend.

"It will be free entry. There will be traditional lion dancing, kung-fu demonstrations, traditional Chinese music and a magic show."

His restaurants will also be serving customers with traditional Chinese new year dishes, which are made from chicken, duck and fish.

This year is the Year of the Dog. Those born in this year are said to loyal, honest, and inspire confidence in others.

However, they can also be selfish, stubborn, and eccentric while caring little for wealth as well as emotionally cold and sometimes distant at parties.

Some Chinese people from the county are expected to head to Birmingham this Sunday for one of the region's main celebrations.

The festivities will take place at The Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, in the city's Chinese Quarter.

The free event lasts from 1pm to 4pm.