Join the celebrations to mark the Year of the Dragon in Norwich and support the local charity helping local people who deserve our care and support.

What better way of helping our very own Big C than by celebrating the Chinese New Year at one of the most popular restaurants in Norwich.

This year Big C, which does such wonderful work in the city and county, is the civic charity chosen by Lord Mayor Jenny Lay and Sheriff Chris Higgins.

It is a charity, set up in 1980, which is so close to our hearts having developed to play a leading role in many lives.

The idea of the civic charity is to highlight its work, raise awareness and its profile and collect some money so it can continue to help people in so many different ways.

Today I'd like to tell you about two events – the Chinese New Year civic charity buffet on Monday, January 30 at the Riverbank Buffet Restarant and The Golden Years concert at UEA on Saturday, April 14.

At both events you can join in the fun, have a good time, and help Big C – the local charity, fighting cancer for local people.

Monday, January 30. Chinese New Year civic charity buffet evening, Riverbank Buffet Restaurant.

One of the major events of the civic charity calendar in recent times has been the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Last year, during my term as sheriff, we had a fantastic night thanks to our hosts at this lively and popular Riverside restaurant.

Because of their efforts and people who had generously given prizes for the auction we raised more than �6,000 for Rotary House for the Deaf – a magnificent effort.

A big thank-you to Toni Patching, Piang Fui Pun (Jimmy) and their hard-working team, for all they do, and have done for many years, supporting the civic charity and, in turn, helping so many other people.

This year the event will once again be held at Riverbank which is now one of the most popular restaurants in Norwich and will include a tombola.

It will be another fun night out and tickets, costing �15 including an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet, are on sale now. So why not get up a table? Have a great night out while helping Big C at the same time.

Tickets are available at the Big C Office, 10a Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3DE. Cheques are payable to the Norwich Civic Charity Appeal.

This year, 2012, will be the Chinese year of the dragon and people respond to the spirit of the dragon with energy, vitality and unbridled enthusiasm, often throwing all caution to the wind which can often be an unwise move. The dragon is all about drama.