THE FINALE of Chinese New Year was celebrated with a series of artistic events in Stockton on Saturday (February 23).

The year of the snake was welcomed in by families taking part in a host of themed activities at the town’s Castlegate Shopping Centre.

Billingham sisters Eden, 7, and Kelis Miller, 9, were among those who joined in free craft sessions and got messy with glitter, sequins and feathers in order to decorate and create a range of Chinese-themed items.

Dragon puppets, fans and lanterns were among the items created to celebrate the Chinese New Year, courtesy of the shopping centre’s free Art Cart.

Centre manager Karen Eve said: “The Art Cart is a great way to offer kids in Stockton an educational and fun learning experience during half term where children of all ages can indulge their creative skills and create a piece of art to take home.”