A COLLECTION at a traditional Chinese New Year celebration raised more than £400 for the British Red Cross.

The Chinese Year of the Snake was welcomed in with a Lion Dance in St Mary Street on Sunday afternoon.

It is the seventh annual dance organised by the Shangri-la Chinese restaurant and was performed by the Yi Quin Lion Dance club.

Restaurant manager Mr Kevin Ong said: "We had a collection for the British Red Cross."

The lions were led down St Mary Street by a colourful character called Datourfa.

The Red Cross's Chepstow co-ordinator Christine Morton said: "We are very grateful for the collection and the money will be used locally and for our Syria appeal.