A MASSIVE mythical beast took centre stage during celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

York's Museum Gardens played host to a 100ft oriental dragon - created by city schoolchildren - at the event organised by the National Centre For Early Music (NCEM).

There was also dancing from Ocean's Apart, who presented Lion Dances, and the Choi Jung Im Dance Company.

The NCEM organised a host of events around York last week, culminating in the New Year's Day celebrations to mark the Year of the Dog.

The event - yesterday afternoon - attracted hundreds of families who were encouraged to bring their own lanterns to the Gardens.

The NCEM ran workshops at libraries across the city on Saturday where children and adults could make their own glowing lanterns.

There were also kite making workshops the weekend before where children could make their own traditional Chinese kites with Malcolm "The Kiteman" Goodman.

Mr Goodman then put on a spectacular display at Rawcliffe Country Park - including a giant 100 metre-long Chinese dragon kite - and encouraged children to fly their own self-made kites.

Updated: 09:32 Monday, January 30, 2006