London's South Bank is to benefit from a major £4m makeover ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in a bid to enhance access to its cultural attractions and eateries.

Mayor Boris Johnson will work with Lambeth and Southwark councils, as well as residents' groups and local businesses, to carry out improvements along a 2-mile (3.2km) section. The stretch of the South Bank between Tower and Westminster Bridges will be enhanced - including locations such as the Globe Theatre, the Oxo Tower and Southwark Cathedral.

Johnson said: "By making some simple but crucial changes to its streets and wider public realm we will make it considerably more accessible in time for the London Games. "What better legacy than to use this opportunity to open up this fantastic area for anyone and everyone to enjoy."

Meanwhile, a further £220m is being invested as part of the mayor's Great Outdoors scheme to upgrade more than 50 public spaces across the capital ahead of the 2012 Games. Image: Lewis Clarke