PUPILS from Beechcroft Infants School were given a taste of Asia when Connie’s Restaurant hosted a special meal to help them learn about Chinese New Year.

Around 50 pupils from the school sat down to the authentic meal today, Monday, which coincides with the school’s learning topic on Chinese culture.

Connie Yap, owner of Connie’s in Devizes Road, said the meal at the family restaurant was a way of giving back to the community.

“I normally do something like this for the local schoolchildren and my kids have all grown up in this country and obviously you have to take as much as you give.

“I do a lot of charity work so if people are fundraising or something, I will give support.

Connie, who has been in Swindon for nearly 45 years, started the Old Town restaurant around 33 years ago and now works with her two sons.

She added: “I usually do hotel functions as well so I know how to cook for a lot of people and the children seem happy with their food so I am happy.”

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the Chinese solar calendar and this year marks the zodiac sign of the monkey.

Within the festival, red packets are given to wish good luck while envelopes are sent to wish happiness – something which pupils have engaged with while learning about the Chinese culture.

Laura Allsop, foundation level teacher at Beechcroft said with empty plates and beaming smiles, the children went away happy.

She added: “The meal has been very good and allowed them to experience Chinese food which has been great. I think a conversation between a teacher and Connie led to this and she was more than happy for people to come along.

“At school we have been doing some Chinese writing and they will soon be making some money envelopes. The topic has given them the chance to think about the different animals and the stories behind them especially as it is Chinese New Year today.”