When Mayor of Gravesham Greta Goatley was first elected as a councillor, it’s a fair bet she never imagined she’d end up using a rod and line to feed a lettuce to a lion.

But that was the scene in Gravesend’s Community Square on Tuesday as the mayor played a central part in bringing in the Year of the Rooster.

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The Gravesend Chinese New Year celebrations have attracted increasingly large numbers since the council got involved with them four years ago, and hundreds followed the lion dance procession from Gravesend Borough Market to The Woodville.

Council staff in hi-vis jackets walked side by side with Chinese drummers in bright golden traditional dress.

Starting at 11am from the Borough Market, the Lion was “woken” by the Mayor and playwright Amy Ng, before heading off through the town eating and scattering lettuce leaves, which symbolise a fresh start.

Amy said: “The Chinese community is dominated by magical thinking and people are deeply uneasy if it isn’t done properly.

Video: Gravesend celebrates Chinese New Year

“It’s important to get rid of the remnants of the old year and bring in the new – buy new clothes and throw away broken things.”

Cllr Goatley said it had been a great experience to be so closely involved.

“It’s fabulous,” she said. “We’ve done it every year as councillors but as mayor it’s brilliant. It’s wonderful. You think of all these children – that’s what it’s all about.

“It’s the fourth year we’ve done it and it gets bigger every year.”

She also thanked Michael Tang of the Twin Dynasty restaurant in Windmill Street for hosting the celebratory lunch, and said the event was a boost for the town.

“It’s good for the community,” she said. “It brings everyone together.”

After the parade there was a speech by Amy Ng, as well as Chinese martial arts, singing, dancing and music at The Woodville.