LONDON: UK entertainment channel BBC Prime will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the music countdown show Top of the Pops with a special New Year's Eve music countdown.

Throughout this month and December, BBC Prime viewers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa will be able to vote for their favourite music acts from a selection of pop classics from the past 40 years, through the BBC Prime website www.bbcprime.com/totp40.

The Top of the Pops anniversary special will be hosted for BBC Prime by singer Melanie C. She was formerly known as Sporty Spice from the international pop group Spice Girls.

This is the first time all BBC Prime viewers have been able to join in a single, international vote to decide scheduling.

An official release informs that BBC Prime's Top of the Pops voting website enables BBC Prime viewers to watch clips of some of the biggest names in pop performing on the show over the past 40 years.

The artistes on display include Abba, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Elton John. Viewers then vote for their favourite clips and can watch the New Year's Eve special to see the results.

BBC Prime claims to be broadcasting to over 12 million subscribers in more than 100 countries and territories. Over 2200 hours of new programming are transmitted each year.