That is because the tradition of setting off firecrackers during this time of the year causes a large amount of noise, air and ground pollution.

BBC: Taipei residents urged to use CDs not firecrackers

The "Colne Cyclone" has twice been part of a world-record breaking team this year - in the team pursuit final at the Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne and on Thursday, as part of the Great Britain Olympic team, setting a new world-record time during the men's team pursuit track cycling qualifier.

BBC: Olympic gold medallist Steven Burke given civic honour