The West Yorkshire Chinese Community Association is gearing up to celebrate the Chinese New Year tomorrow.

Members gathered at the Yama oriental takeaway in Halifax Road, Cullingworth, which association vice-chairman Peter Chiu ran for more than 35 years before handing over the reins to his son last year.

“We want to wish a happy new year to all our members,” said Mr Chiu. “We hope the celebrations will help to promote friendships across all communities in Bradford district.”

The association’s unicorn and dragon costumes arrived from Hong Kong last week, and will be used in future events and demonstrations.

In Chinese astrology, the Year of the Horse is considered a fortunate year that brings luck.

A celebration dinner for association members and their families will be held at the Win Bar restaurant in Farsley on Monday.

Also welcoming in the Chinese New Year in style are pupils of Our Lady of Victories Primary School.

The reception class at the Braithwaite school has created a Chinese restaurant in its play house.

Youngsters are also writing menus in Chinese, drawing pictures and preparing a Chinese feast.

Class teacher Rebecca Bird said: “We look at Chinese money and the children make animal masks.”