Bitter cold temperatures and a smattering of snow didn't stop thousands of Sussex revellers dressing in their finest and drinking to a happy new year.

On one of the coldest nights of the year partygoers across the county braved the elements to see in the new year in the warmth of their local pub.

In Brighton and Hove numbers were down from last year and the absence of any central public celebrations in the Old Steine meant revellers were dotted around the city at the stroke of midnight.

Despite weather warnings to wrap up warm men could be seen strutting around the city in shirt sleeves while dozens of girls wore little more than a mini dress and high heels.

Many more people put practicality before fashion only removing their winter coats and woolly hats after thawing thoroughly inside bars and clubs.

In Brighton's North Laines most pubs were ticket only or closed for private parties. Queues of people gathered in the cold to huddle into bars like The Eagle in Gloucester Road.

Brian Davis, 32, said: "I'm having a great time. It's freezing but I've wrapped up warm.

"I've got about three layers on but I don't care if I don't look smart. It's too cold to worry."

The biggest event of the night was at the Brighton Centre where hundreds of people gathered for Essential New Year's Eve.

Dance music was mixed by the likes of Fabio and Grooverider while appreciative clubbers raved away the last night of 2001.

Some fights were reported in the city centre but police said the night went off relatively quietly and was not much different from any other Friday or Saturday night in Brighton.

Inspector Helen West said: "The cold probably put people off taking too long to stagger home. It quietened down at about 5am."