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London enjoys New Year's Eve firework display London enjoys new year firework display
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Thames in London to watch a spectacular firework display mark the new year.Thousands of people gathered on the banks of the Thames in London to watch a spectacular firework display mark the new year.
Much of central London is closed to traffic but the Tube will run all night and most public transport will be free from 23:45 GMT until 04:30 GMT. Much of central London is closed to traffic but the Tube will run all night and most public transport will be free until 04:30 GMT.
Mayor Boris Johnson said the fireworks would round off a year that "glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm". Mayor Boris Johnson said: "What an amazing end to an incredible year."
Revellers were advised to plan ahead and up to 250,000 people were expected. About 250,000 were expected for the event - which included an 11-minute light and firework show.
There will be free London travel on bus, Tube, tram and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from 11:45 GMT on New Year's Eve until 4:30 GMT on New Year's Day and on London Overground until the last trains. The spectacle also involved clips from the 2012 Olympic Games.
Mr Johnson added: "Watched by hundreds of thousands in the capital and millions around the globe, London has proved, yet again, that it can pull off spectacular world-class events in style."
Shard lightingShard lighting
There was also a special lighting sequence on the Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, near London Bridge.There was also a special lighting sequence on the Shard, Western Europe's tallest building, near London Bridge.
The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London will run all night.The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London will run all night.
Night buses and 24-hour bus routes will run as normal, but there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from about 17:00 GMT to about 03:00 GMT because of road closures.Night buses and 24-hour bus routes will run as normal, but there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from about 17:00 GMT to about 03:00 GMT because of road closures.
Mr Johnson said: "A fantastic mood of community has percolated the entire population of our city and beyond.
"It's been a wonderful year, but believe me, 2013 is going to be every bit as exciting."
Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors are volunteering during the New Year's Eve celebrations.Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors are volunteering during the New Year's Eve celebrations.
They are giving out maps, helping direct people to the viewing areas and also providing guidance and advice on getting home safely.They are giving out maps, helping direct people to the viewing areas and also providing guidance and advice on getting home safely.