It's not quite Guy Fawkes but Tory MP Mark Lancaster plans pyrotechnics over Big Ben tonight

By Tim Montgomerie
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2012 is going to be a big year for Britain on the world stage - with the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee. The Government has grand plans to use the year to send a big message to the world about a vibrant and open Britain. Jeremy Hunt lifts the veil on these plans in an interview for The Telegraph. The year kicks off at midnight with a much grander than normal new year fireworks display over the Thames.

Tory MP Mark Lancaster has been helping prepare for tonight. Before being elected he worked for his family fireworks firm, Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd. 12,000 fireworks will be launched in a show designed by Darryl Fleming. Last year when Kimbolton ran the show most fireworks were launched from barges and from the London Eye. Tonight - wind permitting - fireworks will also be launched from Big Ben. It's going to be quite something.

Mark is photographed below (centre) with Ian Walker (left) and Paul Narinder (right).

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!