About 250,000 party-goers watched as the Thames was lit up by one of the best fireworks displays witnessed in the capital city in recent years.
Big Ben made sure the Olympic year was welcomed with a bang in a stunning display that saw fireworks launched from the tower at midnight.
In a first for the London's New Year celebrations, the pyrotechnics were fired from the landmark to coincide with each strike of the bell, marking the start of 2012.
There was a distinctly Olympian theme to the display on the River Thames with fireworks launched over the London Eye in the shape and colours of the Olympic rings. The accompanying soundtrack saw Chariots of Fire kick off a medley of London-themed songs.
Some 12,000 fireworks were set off during the spectacular 11-minute and 15-second display.
