That was Mac's year that was: From the Bradley Wiggins effect to Abu Hamza and Leveson, The Mail's cartoonist picks his 2012 favourites

It was the year that saw the Olympics come to Britain, doctors and surgeons strike, and Prince Andrew abseiling down Europe's tallest building, the Shard. Here, the peerless Mac revisits his choice moments from 2012...

JANUARY: Drugs offence guidelines suggest lighter sentencing for 'social dealers' who buy drugs to share with friends.

 

FEBRUARY: Former International Monetary Fund boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn is arrested and quizzed about procuring prostitutes for orgies.

 

MARCH: The Environment Agency warns of widespread drought conditions if Britain's dry weather continues.

 

APRIL: London-based Muslim cleric Abu Hamza fights extradition to the U.S. to face terrorism charges.

 

MAY: Surface-to-air missiles are to be situated on the roofs of private flats in East London during the Olympics.

 

JUNE: A historic strike by doctors and surgeons over pension reforms could mean that thousands of operations will be postponed.

 

JULY: Athletes start arriving to compete in the London 2012 Olympics as Britain suffers interminable torrential downpours.

 

 

AUGUST: Cycling fever grips Britain after Bradley Wiggins's triumph in the Tour de France and gold medal at the London Olympics.

 

SEPTEMBER: Prince Andrew abseils down Europe's tallest building, the Shard in the City of London, to raise money for charity.

 

OCTOBER: British forests face an 'unprecedented' threat from a deadly disease that affects ash trees.

 

NOVEMBER: The Leveson Report into the Press is finally published, and recommends a new regulatory body.

 

DECEMBER: David Cameron promises to introduce a bill legalising gay marriage next year.