Another arch today: this impressive 11m tall Chinese arch marks the northern entrance to Newcastle’s Chinatown. It was constructed in 2004 by engineers from mainland China at a cost of £475,000, and has a pair of guardian Shishi statues. In 2008, the street lighting in Chinatown was replaced by pretty Chinese lanterns, which I might well feature another day!

I was surprised to discover that England has only five “official” Chinatowns. As well as the one in Newcastle, there are Chinatowns in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.