Pupils at Derry Hill Primary School, which has a link with a school in China, saw in the Chinese New Year last week.

The pupils, some of whom have e-mail pals at Giuyan School, in Nanhai, China, made lanterns, learned about the Chinese zodiac and used chop-sticks.

Teacher and organiser Jennifer Hodgson said: “The older ones got to learn some Mandarin – like the colours and how to say hello and goodbye.”

She said that the children have started to e-mail fellow pupils in China.

“We call them E-pals,” she said.

“The children have just started by telling them a little bit about themselves and about what school is like.

“We hope that will develop in the future.”