DRAGONS, lions and dumplings were the highlights of a fund-raising day organised by Salisbury's Chinese community to help crippled acrobat Xu Yan.

More than £1,000 was collected to support the 22-year-old circus performer, who found herself penniless and paralysed in Salisbury District Hospital following a high wire accident.

The newly-formed Chinese Community Association of Wiltshire had already been planning a Chinese New Year get-together at the Guildhall when members heard of her plight and promptly made her the focus of specially arranged celebrations.

More than 300 people, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury, Kevin and Jan Cardy, turned up to show their sympathy and enjoy the entertainment and, at one point, the doors had to be closed as the hall was full.

As well as professional lion dancers, there was a dragon dance by the children of the Wiltshire Mandarin Club and a mini-dragon created by three and four-year-olds from Leehurst Swan School. The lion dancers also performed an encore outside the Guildhall, which raised money from passers-by.

There was a chance to taste Chinese food donated by Wong's takeaway, Yummy Express and the Chef Peking, and to watch dim sum dumplings being made.

Origami and calligraphy stalls attracted long queues, and traditional Chinese massage also proved popular.

Supporters from Southampton Chinese Association, who themselves have raised more than £1,000 for Xu Yan, sang and played traditional Chinese music.

"It was lovely to see people of all ages and all sections of the community getting involved," said Chinese Association chairman, Ka Fue Lay. "The English people who came along really enjoyed it.

"Xu Yen was very touched by people's generosity, and lots of people wanted to meet her and speak to her through an interpreter.

"As well as helping her, it brought the Chinese community closer together and helped introduce our culture to the wider community. We would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make it such an unexpected and fantastic success."