The Prince of Wales has celebrated the Chinese New Year - by getting mixed up in some fishy business.

Prince Charles was entertained by a Chinese magician who produced a live fish from the lap of the heir to the throne.

Ti Yue Li travelled from China to London's China Town in Soho especially for the royal performance.

The magician dangled an empty fishing line in front of the Prince and, magically, hooked a large fish.

The Prince, who was sitting on a stage for VIPs watching the outdoor show, looked astonished at the feat.

Dragon prince

Earlier, with paintbrush in hand, he painted the eye of a Chinese dragon, symbolising life and energy.

The Chinese marked the new millennium on 5 February, five weeks after the Western calendar, and saw in the Millennium Year of the Dragon.

Dragon dancers and drummers performed in the rain for the Prince who was first welcomed with a lion dance.

Children from a local Chinese school also danced for him and he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit.

Charles stayed for an hour and was entertained in a Chinese restaurant before shaking hands with many well-wishers in the streets of China Town.

A spokesman for the China Town Association said: "This year is the Year of the Dragon - and the dragon symbolises kingship, so it was appropriate for His Royal Highness to visit us."