Tasty treats for new year

Children at Southwell Pre-school took part in a range of activities to celebrate the Chinese new year.

The youngsters, aged three and four, tried traditional Chinese food including noodles, rice, stir-fry and prawn crackers.

They were shown how to use chopsticks and learned about Chinese writing. They also had fortune cookies.

The children made lanterns, hats and animals in the Chinese zodiac, including a dragon.

The supervisor, Miss Tanya Cooper, said the children were interested in the theme and had enjoyed the various activities.

Yesterday was the start of the Chinese New Year. Each year is associated with an animal and 2008 is the Year of the Rat.

People born this year are likely to be leaders and pioneers. They should be charming, charismatic and hardworking.

Southwell Pre-school, at the Scout Headquarters on Bishop’s Drive, received £2,440 last year from the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme to develop a cultural awareness and diversity project.

As part of the project the children will learn about Easter customs and traditions and life in Australia.