PARTY-goers have their pick of New Year parties this year, with Newcastle leading the way.

About 38,000 people are expected to descend on Newcastle's Quayside for an event billed as the biggest New Year's Eve celebration in England.

Northumberland Street will come alive from 11am with Creature Feature, a family of gorillas, accompanied by the explorer Indiana Smith.

Shoppers will then have a chance to catch Lighthouse Theatre's giant puppets, Tango Peligroso, dancing their way through the streets.

Other attractions include steel bands, harmony singers, acoustic musicians and clog dancers.

Early evening visitors to the Haymarket will be treated to a Spanish-style festival in which a 30ft-high Bus of Fools, packed with characters from comic creation Viz, will burst into flames.

Later, one stage on the Quayside will boast non-stop cabaret acts, rounding off with the 1970s Brutus Gold Stage Show. The other will have DJs playing the latest dance music.

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge will be at the centre of a firework display at midnight.

Newcastle City Council leader Councillor Tony Flynn said: "As an authority, we recognise that the fantastic programme of music and entertainment on the Quayside is the highlight of our New Year's Eve festivities."

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said extra officers would be drafted into the town centre and Quayside to deal with disturbances.

"We have three years' experience in dealing with these celebrations and work closely with the organisers throughout the planning stages."

Elsewhere in the region, processions and church services will herald the New Year.

In Durham, a parade will leave the Market Place, led by Pittington Brass Band, at 5.30pm, followed by a service at the cathedral, at 6.15pm.

The Market Place in Ripon, North Yorkshire, will be the focus of an open air celebration, along with the traditional watchnight service at the cathedral, at 11.15pm.

A torchlight procession will make its way back to the market square, before a firework display over the city centre on the stroke of midnight.