London's Tower Bridge is to benefit from a 'green makeover' ahead of the 2012 Games, after planning permission and listed building consent for the scheme were approved.

The landmark's 25-year old lights will be replaced with an energy-efficient system, while the project will also allow for the temporary installation of the Olympic rings.

A deal between the mayor of London; the City of London Corporation; GE; and EDF will see LED lighting installed, cutting the bridge's energy consumption by 40 per cent.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "This grand old lady of London, one of our best loved landmarks, is now set to play a sparkling role in the celebrations."

Citelum has been appointed to design the lighting and start installation work, having worked on schemes at the Eiffel Tower, France, and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

Turley Associates will be responsible for securing the necessary consent to implement the plans.