Dragons danced and drums pounded in Norwich last night at a fundraising event to welcome the Chinese New Year.

More than 100 diners and passers-by gathered to watch the traditional Chinese dragon dancing before the start of the Norwich Civic Charity dinner at the Riverside Chinese Buffet Restaurant.

The proceeds from the civic charity events in 2012 – the Year of the Dragon – will go towards the cancer support and information centre run by Norfolk charity Big C.

Lord Mayor Jenny Lay and the Sheriff of Norwich Chris Higgins chose the charity after Mrs Lay benefited from the service offered by the centre when she had breast cancer.

'I am a victim myself of breast cancer – that's why we're supporting Big C.

'A lot of people can make use of the centre, and that's where the money will be going. It's a really great place and I want people to know it is available to them,' she said. 'Over the course of the year, we hope we will be able to raise up to �20,000.'

The dragon dancing began outside before progressing into the restaurant, where guests enjoyed the charity dinner, tombola and auction of prizes. Last year the event, hosted by restaurant owners Piang Fui Pun and Toni Patching, raised more than �6,000 in just one night.

Daniel Williams, chief executive of Big C, said the charity was proud to have been chosen.

'The money raised this year, which we hope will be between �10,000 and �15,000 will be focused on the support and information centre.

'We don't just offer the care and support to people with cancer, but to their family and carers as well.

'The centre makes sure they can get the guidance and benefits that are available to them.'