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Revellers across UK welcome 2008 Revellers across UK welcome 2008
(about 15 hours later)
Millions of people across the UK have celebrated the arrival of the New Year.Millions of people across the UK have celebrated the arrival of the New Year.
An estimated 700,000 people gathered in London, with many lining up at the River Thames for the firework display at the London Eye. An estimated 700,000 people gathered in London - many on the banks of the Thames - to see the fireworks at the London Eye and to hear Big Ben chime.
In Edinburgh, about 100,000 revellers enjoyed the street party, with about 15,000 in Glasgow's George Square.In Edinburgh, about 100,000 revellers enjoyed the street party, with about 15,000 in Glasgow's George Square.
In Cardiff, some 30,000 people joined in the Calennig celebrations at Cardiff Castle, and 5,500 celebrated at an open air concern in Belfast. In Cardiff, some 30,000 people joined in the Calennig celebrations at Cardiff Castle, and 5,500 celebrated at an open-air concert in Belfast.
The firework display in London lasted 11 minutes and as it ended the crowds, who had braved the drizzle to watch, cheered and sang Auld Lang Syne.
We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time Keeley Taylor, 19, in LondonWe're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time Keeley Taylor, 19, in London
Thousands of people also gathered in nearby Trafalgar Square, where a shaft of light was beamed on to Nelson's Column.
Albert Caminha, 27, from Portugal, said: "I thought the fireworks were incredible - every possible colour was used - and I loved the way the lights reflected in the water from the river."
Keeley Taylor, 19, travelled from Bolton, Lancs, to spend midnight in London.Keeley Taylor, 19, travelled from Bolton, Lancs, to spend midnight in London.
"We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time and there's a really good atmosphere here," she said."We're getting a bit wet, but everyone seems to be having a good time and there's a really good atmosphere here," she said.
Thirty-six-year-old Steven Lewin, from South Africa, was also in the city. Londoner James O'Shea, 32, said: "It's amazing to be in one of the world's most vibrant cities on a night like this."
"This is my last Christmas in the UK, and I thought I'd do something a bit cultural and see central London over the New Year," he said. Police said there had been 51 arrests in London, including 16 for drunk and disorderly behaviour.
Londoner James O'Shea, 32, said "It's amazing to be in one of the world's most vibrant cities on a night like this." The Edinburgh festivities were described as "a great event"Metropolitan Police Superintendent Andy Tarrant said in the main the crowds had been good humoured and there had been no major issues reported to police.
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Andy Tarrant said plans for the capital's New Year events had been going on for almost 12 months. New Year's Eve represented a peak in the number of 999 emergency calls around the country.
"We have got in excess of 3,600 police officers on duty to make the evening as safe and crime-free as possible," he said. In the 45 minutes after midnight, 100 emergency calls were made to the West Midlands Ambulance Service, most of which were related to "alcohol-fuelled incidents", a spokeswoman said.
As of 0220 GMT, police said there had been 33 arrests in London, including 15 for drunk and disorderly behaviour. There was a rise of one-sixth in the number of calls received by the London Ambulance Service between 0000 and 0400 GMT, compared to last year. More than 1,800 calls were received during that period.
A further 1,000 people dialled 999 in south-west England, a total which was similar to previous years.
'All the stops''All the stops'
In Edinburgh, mild conditions dispelled fears that there would be a repeat of last year's disappointment, when the event was cancelled hours before midnight because of severe weather. Last year high winds meant the cancellation of celebrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.
I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world Mark Hudson, 31, in Edinburgh But this year's Edinburgh festivities were described as "a great event" despite the damp weather.
X-Factor winner Leon Jackson had been due to open the Hogmanay street party at 2200 GMT, but was forced to pull out due to ill health. At midnight the fireworks display lit up the sky above the city and the gun was fired from the castle ramparts.
Mark Hudson, 31, from Sydney, said: "I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world. Edinburgh's fireworks lit up the sky around the castle and Princes StreetMark Hudson, 31, from Sydney, said: "I've come to the Hogmanay party because I've heard it's one of the best celebrations in the world.
"I think tonight is going to be extra special because of the cancellation last year and I think they are really going to pull out all the stops.""I think tonight is going to be extra special because of the cancellation last year and I think they are really going to pull out all the stops."
Bristol held a New Year's Eve Gala at Colston Hall, which hosted an evening with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. X-Factor winner Leon Jackson had been due to open the Hogmanay street party, but had to pull out with tonsillitis.
There was a free event at the Anglican cathedral in Liverpool, where the Love and Joy Gospel Choir sang. About 9,000 people attended the nearby Concert in the Gardens event, where a song was dedicated to Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, who died after collapsing during Saturday's match against Dundee United.
About 350 officers from Lothian and Borders Police patrolled the street party area, and police said there were four arrests for minor offences.
Elsewhere there were more fireworks in Birmingham, a free concert in Liverpool and a New Year's Gala in Bristol.
More rail delays
Up to half a million people are expected to watch the annual New Year's Day Parade in London later.
More than 8,000 performers from many nations, including 3,000 from the US, are set to travel the 2.2 mile route, and a message from the Queen will be read out.
But thousands of rail passengers travelling on New Year's Day are facing delays after over-running engineering work was extended by another day.But thousands of rail passengers travelling on New Year's Day are facing delays after over-running engineering work was extended by another day.
The work affects Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, Scotland, north Wales and north-west England.The work affects Virgin Trains to and from the West Midlands, Scotland, north Wales and north-west England.
Services will now not return to normal until 0530 GMT on 2 January.Services will now not return to normal until 0530 GMT on 2 January.