Today (Friday 12 February) is Chinese New Year, the first day of the Year of the Ox.

Occurring every 12 years, Ox years are supposedly characterised by grit, endurance and movement, qualities which seem more important now than ever before.

This week, Helsby's primary schools have been exploring the traditions surrounding Chinese New Year, making lanterns and dancing dragons.

In preparation for their Chinese New Year party today, pupils at Helsby Hillside Primary School learnt about the Great Race.

This legendary event saw all the animals race across a river, competing for one of 12 places in the Chinese Zodiac.

Meanwhile, at Horn's Mill Primary School, the children sampled Chinese snacks using chopsticks, and took to the playground to try out their dragon dance.

Gong xi fa cai and here's to the Year of the Ox!