PEOPLE in the Bradford district are among millions around the world who have been celebrating Chinese New Year.

The occasion is also known as the Lunar New Year, which begins on the second new moon at the start of the year and ends on a full moon fifteen days later.

The new year is always named after one of twelve animals and 2016 is the year of the monkey.

In Keighley, a 12-foot long dragon is helping the town's newest bakery celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Poundbakery, which opened last month in the Airedale Shopping Centre, has hung the dragon on the ceiling to promote its special range of snacks.

Staff members got into the spirit of the season by wearing themed costumes to herald the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

The dragon is traditionally thought to bring good fortune and drive out bad luck.

Poundbakery area support manager Peter Stamp said: “We found that not many people were doing much to celebrate Chinese New Year, which for 2016 is on February 8.

“Everyone does Valentine’s Day and Easter and other traditional British occasions but the wider global celebrations are picking up in popularity so we thought we’d mark it in store.”

The Poundbakery snacks include include Chinese chicken curry pasties, sweet and sour pork pasties, hoi sin duck baguette, Chinese five spice baguette, honey chicken wrap and chicken and sweetcorn soup.

Peter, who specialises in opening new Poundbakery branches, celebrated his first Chinese New Year in 2015.

He said: “It was very well received at that store. We had several members of the Chinese community coming in and saying the food was great and that’s the ultimate compliment really.”

If you are celebrating Chinese New Year, send your comments and pictures to newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk