An evening of Oriental delights

The evening was organised by the town council to celebrate the Chinese New Year and was in aid of the Mayor Cllr Jim Daly's charity, the Royal British Legion and the UK China Culture Association (CCA).

Guests mingled in the hall admiring Chinese art demonstrations, looking at beautiful dresses and bags and enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.

After a welcome from Cllr Daly, chairman of the CCA, Mr Xuexian Bei spoke.

A feast was enjoyed by everyone which included sesame prawn toast, Thai fishcakes, chicken satay, spring rolls, spare ribs and prawn crackers.

Following the British and Chinese national anthems, Sussex Express competition winner Aaron Blaydes, seven, from Newhaven was presented with a goody bag and congratulated by the mayor.

Afterwards guests watched in awe as Chinese children put on stunning performances doing things that seemed impossible.

A young girl used her feet, her hands and even her mouth to balance large candelabras each containing several lit candles.

While balancing she managed to turn over from lying on her back to lying on her front, barely a drop of wax being spilt.

Other treats included dragon dancing, changing face, diabolos and rolling rugs.