THE threat of icy weather kept many revellers at home but pubs still reported a busy New Year.

However, there was a marked difference to last year's millennium celebrations across the county with fewer people on the streets.

Nevertheless, according to publicans, the atmosphere was excellent.

Nichola Dennehy, at The Falcon, Cornmarket, High Wycombe, said: "It started off quite busy but it got quiet towards the end."

Leander Platten, assistant manager at the Hobgoblin, in the town centre, said: "It was so busy, especially for a Sunday night. The atmosphere was incredible."

John Chandler, at the Antelope in The Church Square, High Wycombe, said: "We had a lot of people come in and the atmosphere was wonderful."

Thames Valley Police said: "There were a couple of incidents in the town centre, but it was just what you expect for a busy night, it was about average."

Pubs in Marlow were packed with most landlords claiming to have sold out of tickets for their New Year parties.

Michelle Wass, landlady at the Chequers in the High Street, said: "We were just as busy as last year. Lots of people were calling up all day for tickets I think people couldn't decide what to do."

Up on West Street, The Ship was equally busy, with celebrations even topping last year's. Landlord Barrie Lynch said: "Not even comparable to last year. It's absolutely amazing here tonight, all the best people come here."

The New Year was brought in with a bang at the Compleat Angler hotel where the annual fireworks display was set off as the clock struck midnight.