In pictures: UK welcomes 2008

The UK ushered in 2008 with pyrotechnic displays large and small. This one was the latter, sent in by Malc Brookes from St Helens, and performed by his wife and two daughters.

Much bigger was the spectacle over the London Eye. Ten fireworks were released every second in a display choreographed by Frenchman Christophe Berthonneau.

An estimated 700,000 people packed onto the South Bank of the River Thames for the countdown to midnight. The cue, as always, was provided by Big Ben.

Despite the rain, the capital's 11-minute display drew onlookers from all over the UK and the world.

Huge crowds also took to Edinburgh's Princes Street to watch the fireworks burst into bloom above the city's castle.

About 100,000 people joined in the street party in Edinburgh and a bit of drizzle did nothing to dampen the Hogmanay spirit. Large crowds also turned out in Glasgow to celebrate.

Last year, festivities in Edinburgh had to be cancelled at the eleventh hour because of severe weather.

This picture was sent in by Hasina Ghani in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. In the city centre, a New Year's Eve Gala was held at Colston Hall.

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