Shard prepares for New Year's Eve with highest ever countdown as the rest of the world celebrates the arrival of 2015

The Shard will tonight beam out the highest ever New Year's Eve countdown as the rest of the world continues to celebrate the arrival of 2015.

Europe's tallest skyscraper will provide the glittering back drop for a night of festivities when it lights up the night sky in London.

The 300-metre building will come alive with a dazzling lights display, including Western Europe's highest countdown clock, as parties get underway across Britain tonight.

It comes as millions around the world continue to welcome in 2015 with a series of spectacular fireworks displays.

In Sydney, Australia, an estimated 1.6million people turned up to watch more than 10,000 aerial fireworks, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 pyrotechnic effects on show during this year's New Year's Eve display over Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.