Hundreds welcome Chinese New Year

The celebrations attracted large crowds

Hundreds of people have been celebrating Chinese New Year in Birmingham city centre.

The beginning of the Year of the Rat was marked by traditional displays of dragon dancing, kung fu and firecrackers at the Arcadian Centre.

It also included children's dances, acrobatics and karaoke.

In Chinese tradition, rats are considered to be courageous and resourceful and to be born in the Year of the Rat is an honour.