Restored Big Ben to bong again at midnight to bring in new year

Clock face will be revealed for first time since 2017 to show conservation work and restoration of original colour scheme

London's public fireworks display may be cancelled, but Westminster's new year revellers will be treated to Big Ben's newly painted dials as the clock bongs 12 times to mark the end of 2021.

The 96-metre clock tower above the Houses of Parliament, which houses the Great Bell known as Big Ben, has been mostly hidden from view since a 79.7m conservation projection began four years ago.