Kingston came out in force in the Saturday sunshine to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Thousands of people enjoyed the festivities in Market Place on February 9, and welcomed in the year of the rat.

The event was organised by Kingstonfirst and the Kingston Chinese Association (KCA) and highlights included traditional Chinese lion and sword dance performances as well as kung-fu, mah-jong, tai-chi and cookery demonstrations.

Kiuchung Choi, chairman of KCA, said day had been hugely enjoyable.

"All the way through the day from 11am to 5pm it was packed with people enjoying themselves and watching the performances," he said.

"So many people were queuing at the calligraphy stall to have their name written in Chinese - we did more than 100 during the day."

More than 400 children were given a traditional red envelope containing 10p good luck money from KCA on the day.

Lucinda Raggett, from Kingstonfirst, said: "We are delighted that so many people came to enjoy the festivities.

"This is a great example of businesses and the community working together in partnership to make Kingston a better place for everyone."