Forget the freeze ... bring in the New Year with a bang

SOME 700,000 people are expected to defy the cold and travel into central London for the New Year's Eve fireworks display tonight.

It means the crowd that will gather to watch the 10-minute extravaganza by the Thames will be at least seven times bigger than it was five years ago.

On that occasion, some 100,000 made their way into the centre for the festivities. Superintendent Brian Pearce, who is organising the police operation, said: "New Year's Eve has become much more of a family event because of the fireworks and we are urging people to plan their evening before setting out.

"In the past, people used to travel to Trafalgar Square when there was nothing for them to see or do. Now, with a world-class fireworks display, it is more popular than ever. Not everyone sets out just for a fun night. There are still criminals who use the cover of crowds to commit crime, so people should keep a close eye on belongings."

Police are warning the Embankment viewing area for the fireworks will fill up early in the evening. Mr Pearce said: "The main problem is the sheer number of people. Thousands arrive over a period of five hours but then everyone tries to get away at the same time."

Some 3,300 police officers from three forces - the Met, British Transport Police and the City - will be on duty during the night. Police said that while Tube trains would run all night, people face queues outside stations so should dress warmly. Many roads will be closed to cars, including Embankment and Westminster Bridge.

Members of the public are expected to start arriving in the viewing areas - Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment, Waterloo Bridge and Upper Ground, behind the London Eye - from 8pm and will be able to listen to New Year's messages from celebrities and from the Mayor. Images will be projected onto the Shell building by LG Electronic, which is sponsoring the evening. The £500,000 fireworks display, devised by pyrotechnician Christophe Berthonneau, will start after Big Ben has chimed midnight and will be followed by a mass Auld Lang Syne.