Review of the year: 2010 in pictures

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Page last updated at 08:13 GMT, Friday, 24 December 2010

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In January, a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes the Caribbean nation of Haiti, and is thought to cause more than 200,000 deaths, with thousands more injured. A huge aid effort begins to help rebuild the country.
April sees a BP oil rig exploding in the Gulf of Mexico, causing one of the biggest oil spills in history. Eleven workers are killed and huge damage is done to the environment, prompting lots of anger in the USA and around the world.
David Cameron visits the Radio 1 studios in April to be grilled by Newsbeat's panel of first time voters. All three party leaders are questioned before the year's general election, which ends with Mr Cameron becoming prime minister.
From March to May anti-government protesters take over parts of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, demanding the removal of the prime minister. Negotiations fail and the army storms the protesters' barricades, ending the demos.
In July, Spain win the World Cup for the first time in the country's history. The first World Cup to be held in Africa sees them beat the Netherlands 1-0 as the final goes to extra-time. England crash out 4-1 to Germany at the last 16 stage.
In August, 33 miners are trapped by rockfall at a mine near Copiago in Chile. Their story becomes one of the most emotional news events of the year - all 33 are rescued two months later.
Prince William and Kate Middleton announce their engagement in November. The wedding is to take place at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29 April 2011 and will mean a public holiday across the UK.
In November and December, thousands protest at the coalition government's plans to raise the cost of university tuition fees in England. The demos are marked by violent clashes between police and protesters.
As MPs vote in favour of the planned increase, protesters attack a car which is bringing Prince Charles and Camilla to the Royal Variety Show in London. A window is broken and paint thrown, but both are unharmed.
In November and December, the UK is hit by huge volumes of snow, causing transport chaos on roads, rail, and at airports. As Christmas approaches, thousands of passengers are stranded at airports.
December sees the culmination of three of the most popular shows on TV. Actress Kara Tointon wins Strictly Come Dancing, Matt Cardle ends up with the X Factor crown - and also the Christmas number one, and Stella English gets hired as The Apprentice.