THE Chinese Year of the Dog was a vivid and creative affair at one Basildon primary school who made their own out of old cardboard boxes.

The entirity of Cherry Tree Primary School spent time turning boring card into colourful dragons, before parading them around the hall accompanied by traditional Chinese music and themed lunch.

Staff member Megan Ghouse, who led on the event, said: “It was a colourful celebration of culture.

“It’s something the children really look forward to taking part in each year and making the designs which are quite in-depth.

Echo:

“There were no rules as to what the pupils had to make so they really got to use their creativity.

“All they were given is an example dragon and we left them to make something from their own interpretation.

“Alongside the artwork, a huge focus approaching Chinese New Year was about the culture and customs.

Echo:

“Everyone found this particularly enjoyable to learn about because China is such a fascinating country and so different to England.

“Hopefully this knowledge stays with them for many years to come, and increases their understanding of the world.”

Echo:

Dragon making finished what has been a particularly international month at Cherry Tree.

Earlier on pupils dressed up as ancient Greeks for a non-uniform day as they spent time learning myths and legends from 2,000 years ago.