FEAST OF THE EAST: Nursery children were given a taste of the Orient to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Twelve tots, aged one and two, learned about the celebrations and Chinese culture through art, music and food at St Martin's Nursery, King Street, Talke Pits, yesterday.

Deputy manager Sarah Beeston said: "We did different creative activities such as making Chinese lanterns, hats and fans.

"They dressed up and made hats and masks and we did some dancing to Chinese-style music. For their tea, they tried rice, noodles and prawn crackers. They all loved it."

Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 14.

Red decorations are hung up and children receive red envelopes containing money.

It is believed the colour red symbolises good luck and wards off evil spirits.

This year is the Chinese year of the tiger. Pictured are Deni Pickering, aged two, with mum Kelly Nicklin.

Picture: Alex Severn