Reaching for the sky: Heroes of the high-rise

This has been a landmark year for the world's skyscrapers. Despite the global financial crisis, 2012 saw the unveiling of Europe's new tallest building, the Shard in London - and by the end of the year, nearly three-quarters of the world's 100 tallest buildings will be located in Asia and the Middle East, a dramatic shift from west to east.

The Leadenhall Building in London - designed by the legendary British architect Richard Rogers - is one of a number of new skyscrapers currently under construction in the capital. BBC News caught up with some of the construction team on site around half-way through the build, to find out about the risks - and excitements - of working at height.

With thanks to British Land/Oxford Properties/Laing O'Rourke. Video journalists: John Galliver, Tom Beal and Emily Jones