HIGH profile Chinese guests were welcomed at Bicester Village yesterday to celebrate the new year.

The shopping outlet was transformed with Chinese traditions and dances to bring in the Year of the Dog.

In his speech, Xu Jin, minister counsellor of the economic and commercial office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK congratulated Bicester Village on its success and popularity as a tourist destination for Chinese visitors.

He then performed a ritual ‘eye-dotting’ ceremony.

High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Jane Cranston, who was also in attendance, said: “It was wonderful to see such a delightful celebration of Chinese New Year in our county.

“We welcome tourists from all over the world and thank them for all they bring to the local economy.”