DETAILS of the region's biggest New Year celebrations have been launched online.

A website showcasing Newcastle and Gateshead's fire and ice-themed, free fireworks and festivities went live yesterday .

Midnight on December 31 will see the start of the most spectacular pyrotechnics display ever attempted on Tyneside, with 10,000 fireworks fired simultaneously from four sites spanning both sides of the river.

Giant countdown clocks will be projected on to key buildings to create safe areas where revellers will be able to gather to welcome in the New Year.

It will be the climax to a series of events which start at 4pm on New Year's Eve.

They include a fire garden in Saltwell Park, Gateshead. In Newcastle, there will be a winter ball at Grey's Monument, a choreographed, 30ft fire show in Old Eldon Square, and an explosive encounter between the Ice Queen and Fire King at the Haymarket.

The website, produced by Newcastle City Council's arts and culture team, features a full programme of events, plus maps and transport information.

Further details are available on www.celebrate04.com