Crowds braved sub-zero temperatures to see in the new year in Leicester as revellers heralded the start of 2009.

Town Hall Square welcomed its traditional mixture of families, friends and party-goers as the clock struck midnight and fireworks lit up the night sky.

As the new year was ushered in, scores of revellers hugged and kissed one another.

The temperature may have fallen to -3C, but it did not prevent people from enjoying themselves.

Malcolm Chesterton, 49, from Birstall, was with his wife Julia, 48, and their son Adam, 12.

He said: "This is the first time we have been into the city centre to celebrate.

"We usually stay at home, but our other son is working in town so we wanted to come in and wish him a happy new year.

"If 2009 is anything like 2008 then we will be in for a good year."

Neha Majithia, from Syston, went with her father Shirish and mother Pushpa after finishing family celebrations.

She said: "There were not as many people as we have seen before but it is so cold tonight I'm not surprised."

Robert Wilson, 30, from Thurmaston, said: "I have come here a few times before because there is always such a great atmosphere and it's nice to enjoy the evening with everyone else."

The spirit of goodwill was also being passed on by a team of street pastors, who spent the night handing out blankets to the homeless and flip flops to women who had lost their shoes.

Team administrator Margaret Sharman said: "We like to think the people we see will know that someone cares and that we are looking out for them.

"There has been a really friendly atmosphere on the streets."

A small police presence in Town Hall Square oversaw the celebrations and, as the chimes rang out, Deputy Chief Constable David Lindley was caught up in the party atmosphere as he was hugged and kissed by a young woman.

He said: "In the grand scheme of things, as much as we don't like to use the Q word, it has been a quiet, manageable night. I only hope it stays that way.

"There is always a lively atmosphere at new year, but everyone has been well-behaved here."

Gary Jacques, who was dealing with the calls at police headquarters, in Enderby, said: "In the first hour after midnight we had more than 115 calls, which is a lot more than on a normal day, but something we expect on New Year's Eve."

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue said it had experienced a low level of calls.