CHINESE New Year celebrations at a restaurant will be raising money for victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami.

All monies from drinks bought at Winsford's Parks restaurant on Thursday, February 10, will be donated to the Red Cross appeal.

Andrew Chiu, of Parks said everyone at the restaurant had been moved by the devastation caused by the tsunami.

He said: 'This year will be different because we will be helping the Red cross appeal for the tsunami. After hearing and seeing all the news about how people have been affected, we thought best to do our bit and help people that need it most.

'With Chinese New Year only a month or so after the tragedy we feel it's not too late to offer our support.'

Wharton Road-based Parks will start the evening with Chinese firecrackers and a lion dance display as Chinese people across Mid Cheshire celebrate the start of the year of the Rooster.

The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year because it has been based on the orbit of the moon for more than 4,000 years.

Restaurateur Andrew added: 'Celebrations last for 15 days with each day having a different meaning. During New Year, there is a lion and dragon dance.

'The lion and dragon signifies the good in China.

'The dance is used to ward off any evil spirits and to prepare for a prosperous new year - this is always accompanied by Chinese acoustics with the use of a Chinese drum and symbols.

'At New Year, red envelopes are given containing money - this is to bring luck to one another - although in Asia, red envelopes tend to be given only by people that are married.' nFor reservations at Parks call 01606 862888 or 552192.