International students from China are putting on a fantastic party to celebrate the Year of the Ox at City College Plymouth on Friday 23 January.

The College's international students have come together to bring in the Chinese New Year, which starts on Monday 26 January. New Year is the most important of the Chinese holidays.

College International Officer, Yan Zhang, said: "In China people usually take a few weeks holiday to prepare for the celebration and usually see in the New Year with a family. We didn't want our Chinese students, who are a long way from home, to miss out so we decided to host a party."

The event this year will consist of a Chinese banquet provided by Buffet City, followed by an evening of traditional and contemporary Chinese entertainment including singing, dancing and sketches, all performed by College students. Pupils from Devonport High School for Boys will also do a Tai Chi demonstration. Chinese students from the College help with Mandarin teaching at the school and they have been working together on this demonstration.

An extensive list of VIP guests are invited, including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, local MPs, and representatives from the University of Plymouth.

Jessica Randall, International Manager at the College said: "The College is delighted to host this event. It is important for the students to be able to celebrate this very special time of year in a traditional and enjoyable way."