MORE than 600 people attended a colourful family show featuring dancing, international musicians, choirs and a traditional dragon to mark Chinese New Year.

The event took place at the Life Centre in Moordown attended by Cllr Eddie Coope, the Mayor of Bournemouth, and his wife, Janet, as well as 70 delegates from the Shenzhen Nanshan Educational Group in China, which is headed by Mrs. Zhang Jin.

Philip Benstead from Dorset Chinese Arts Society, said: "The Mayor welcomed the visitors and audience, wishing them a 'happy new year of the rooster' and later spoke of the charitable aims.

"The Chinese delegation had visited the Mayor at the offices and he spoke of how polite and attentive the children were.

"The visiting delegation from China included The Lark Choir with 30 children from Year 5 and 6, The Dingtai choir, with 20 children from Year 4 and 5, and a full brass and woodwind ensemble.

"Mrs Jin said she had chosen Bournemouth because of its rich musical culture and the friendly local people and active community."

Profits from the event went to the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch branches of the YMCA.