In a ceremony symbolically awakening the creatures and bringing good luck, Newcastle Lord Mayor George Douglas and James Osborne, managing director of Aspinall's, dotted the eyes of two lions proudly standing guard over Newcastle's Chinatown.
The stone creatures, which have pride of place at the base of a new Chinese arch, were donated to the community by Aspinall's which is due to open its first Aspers Casino at Newcastle's The Gate leisure venue later this year.
Mr Osborne said: "The lions are to complement the magnificent new Chinese arch and I hope they will bring good fortune to everyone who visits Chinatown.
"We have been made very welcome in Newcastle and our contribution to the Chinese community is part of our long-term commitment to participating in the interests of everyone in the city."
Work started last year on the first of the Aspers-branded casinos, at The Gate, Newcastle. The 45,000 sq ft casino will open later this year.
The casino, with a capacity of more than 1,200, will have a South Seas themed décor with two bars, one for live entertainment on a raised stage behind the bar. A second bar will have sports screens, and a restaurant will serve cosmopolitan food.
Three gaming floors will include a VIP area, an area for social gaming, a gaming area and a main floor for gaming tables and slot machines.
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Enterprise North East
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