Revellers across the world are celebrating the end of 2011 and starting to see in 2012 with spectacular fireworks displays which lit up the night skies.
In London a dazzling fireworks display attracted thousands of people who clamoured to see the impressive display.
The London Eye and Big Ben was the focal point for the pyrotechnics, which London Mayor Boris Johnson said would be a fitting way to mark the start of an extraordinary year for the city.
There were some 12,000 fireworks, producing 50,000 projectiles, launched during the display, which is triggered by Big Ben's chimes and lasted for around 15 minutes.
LONDON: Fireworks light up the sky and Big Ben just after midnight
LONDON: The dazzling display lasted for around 15 minutes in the capital
ENGLAND: The London Eye was a focal point for the fireworks Mr Johnson had promised a 'glittering' show to highlight the exciting events that 2012 promised.
He said: 'A glittering display will light up the sky to herald the start of 2012, the most extraordinary and exciting year we are likely to see in our lifetime in this city.
'We will stage an incredible Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will put us in the global spotlight and spur the long-term rejuvenation of east London and bring benefits to the whole capital.
'From the magic of the Games, to the Diamond Jubilee, and the London 2012 Festival to our own outdoor arts festival, we will welcome the world with thrilling events in every corner of the capital, to create a summer like no other.'
Describing the planned show, a spokesman from the Mayor of London's office said: 'Without wanting to give too much away, it describes London: diverse, quirky, surprising, evolving, inspirational. Read more>>
