Southwark Council has announced the start of work on a £3m transformation of London's South Bank ahead of the 2012 Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The local authority received funding from mayor Boris Johnson earlier this year towards an overhaul of the 2-mile (3.2km) stretch between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge.

A total of seven "key locations" have been earmarked for new lighting, seating and paving as part of the scheme, including the Millennium Bridge; Bankside; and the Oxo Tower.

It is hoped that work will be completed by March 2012, with thousands expected to line the South Bank to watch a 1,000-strong Thames flotilla mark the Diamond Jubilee in June.

Southwark Council cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling Barrie Hargrove said: "The improvements should make a massive difference to the lives of residents and visitors who have not been able to fully enjoy the route along the South Bank.

"Not only will the works create a greatly enhanced experience along the Thames , during the Olympics and Paralympics, but they will leave a lasting legacy for residents and visitors for years to come."

Image: Lewis Clarke