A couple welcome the New Year with a kiss

Freezing temperatures and a lack of organised events did nothing to stop more than 80,000 revellers gathering in London's Trafalgar Square to count down the midnight chimes.

And in Edinburgh more than 110,000 people thronged the city centre to celebrate Hogmanay in a tickets-only street festival.

Elsewhere New Year's celebrations helped bars, pubs and clubs enjoy what is traditionally their busiest night of the year.

Alcohol searches

< In London the huge crowd at Trafalgar Square did their best to create a carnival atmosphere, despite a police appeal to stay close to home and alcohol searches on the way in.

Scotland Yard said the square was cleared shortly after midnight, with the vast majority of people remaining good humoured.

Student Jane Smith, 22, from Bethnal Green said: "I know it's a bit sad coming down here when there's nothing organised but it's always a great laugh.

"The atmosphere is wonderful. Everyone is just up for a party."

But John Clements, from Newcastle, thought it was an anti-climax, explaining: "I expected more to be happening to be honest. It's not really all it's cracked up to be."

The Big Wheel in Edinburgh was a focus for celebrations

Police made at least 85 arrests in central London for offences including drunk and disorderly, possession of drugs and a small number of assaults and robberies.

Scotland Yard said a strong police presence was needed in Leicester Square because of "a small minority who seemed intent on causing trouble".

Elsewhere in London the Ministry of Sound nightclub hosted a 14-hour party for 40,000 people in three purpose-built structures inside the Millennium Dome in Greenwich.

Fireworks

As tradition dictates, it was Edinburgh that led the way with its New Year's Eve celebrations.

A spectacular fireworks display launched from seven surrounding hills lit up the Scottish capital at the stroke of midnight.

Revellers at the Millennium Dome

Streets around the city centre were sealed off as Edinburgh's famous Princes Street and the gardens at the foot of the illuminated castle were transformed into one giant outdoor party zone.

Many took a ride on a brightly lit Ferris wheel next to the Scott Monument, while others packed in around temporary stages set up to host an array of bands led by folk-rockers The Proclaimers.

Another crowd of around 100,000 danced their way into the New Year in Glasgow, where a party in George Square was led by top American DJ Roger Sanchez.

36-hour pubs

Despite the celebrations few pubs or clubs around Britain took advantage of the opportunity to serve drinks for 36 hours continuously, though special measures approved by Parliament would have allowed this.

Bodies representing the pub and bar industry said most were closing at 2am or 3am at the latest on New Year's Day, long before the 11pm allowed.

It was only the second time in recent years that venues had been allowed to open late without applying for a special licence.