CROWDS lined the streets to join Southampton’s Chinese community in welcoming in their new year.

Despite the rain, hundreds of people turned out yesterday as a glittering dancing dragon brought the city centre to a standstill, start the beginning of the Year of the Ox.

A parade set off through Above Bar Street, stopping at all the Chinese restaurants along the way to bring good luck.

It finally came to a halt at a special Chinese market at the Bargate for a final performance.

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