Giant Olympic rings to be attached to Tower Bridge

The news comes following a deal announced recently by the Mayor of London between City Hall, City of London Corporation and London 2012 Sustainability partners EDF and GE to install a new energy-efficient colour-changing lighting system on Tower Bridge.

Details contained in planning documents submitted today show proposals for Tower Bridge to feature Olympic rings and Paralympic agitos during the 45 days of the games, similar to those already installed at St Pancras station.

The new flexible lighting system would able enable evening lighting displays during the games such as the use of gold, silver and bronze lighting effects to mark sporting medal successes.

The project is now seeking to obtain the necessary planning consents and work could start by September and be completed by spring 2012, in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is also hoped the new look will be ready in time for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

"I want London to sparkle with special moments during the Olympic and Paralympic games and thanks to this funding deal, Tower Bridge is set to play a starring role in these once-in-a-lifetime celebrations," says Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.

"The games are also a unique opportunity for London to secure its position for another generation as the best big city in the world and these plans will secure a fantastic legacy for one of the capital's best loved landmarks."