THE owner of the Oriental Aroma restaurant in Royal Wootton Bassett is asking schools to get in touch for the opportunity for youngsters to learn about Chinese New Year, discover the delights of Chinese food, and to help raise much-needed funds for Prospect Hospice.

James Huynh hopes to at least match the £1,500 raised last year when children from local schools, aged between four and seven, came to his restaurant to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

For the cost of just a donation of £5, all of which goes to the hospice, they will learn of the 12 animals of the Chinese lunar calendar, how each new year is celebrated by the Chinese, how to use chopsticks and discover food from the region.

James was inspired to start raising funds for the hospice after his cousin was cared for there in 2012, and is now asking schools to make the most of the fundraisers on January 28, 29 and 30.

The children arrive with their teachers at 12.30pm and stay for the afternoon, and it costs just £5 each for everyone. He added: “The children and staff from the schools have a good time, and we greatly enjoy welcoming them here too.”

Chinese new year this year is on January 31, when it will become the year of the horse.

Schools interested in taking part should contact James at the Oriental Aroma on 01793 854545.