Tower Bridge has gotten an LED makeover funded through a deal between the Mayor, City of London and London 2012 sponsors GE and EDF for London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Work began in November to fit the 1,800 special energy-efficient LED lights, 6,562ft of energy-efficient LED linear lights, 16,404ft of cable and 1,000 junction boxes. The lights will be in place for 25 years.

The state-of-the-art lighting system, which is aimed at brightening the bridge and picking out its architectural features, had its first switch-on last night.

Coloured bulbs, which vary in intensity, beamed from the central London landmark where giant Olympic Rings and the Paralympic Agitos, the swirling symbol of the Paralympics, will shine during the London 2012 Games.