CHIPPENHAM NEWS: CHINESE New Year celebrations got off to a cracking start at a primary school in Chippenham.

Staff and children at Queen's Crescent School worked with local artist Su Briggs to make large sculptures of Chinese dragons, terracotta warriors and koi carp.

Teachers say visiting professional storyteller Tina Burbidge enthralled children with Chinese tales and the youngsters are looking forward to making opera masks and lanterns with an oriental feel.

Pupils who attend the after-school dance club are busy developing their ideas for a Chinese lion dance performance and children in Years 3 and 4 are designing menus for an eastern-style buffet. Deputy head Suzanne Holder said: "All the staff are committed to providing rich and varied opportunities for first hand experience and it is this provision of such exciting and inspiring activities which make learning at Queen's Crescent so irresistible.

"We think it is important children have an understanding of their locality, Wiltshire and the world.

"Last year, we studied Africa and pupils worked with dance performers and looked at drum rhythms and art work as well.

"This year, we wanted a project for the spring term and the Chinese New Year fitted in well."

Children will be performing their lion dance to classmates and parents on March 17 and 18.