Thames cable car plan

London 2012 Olympic bidders have proposed building a cable car running across the Thames and into the Millennium Dome, it was revealed today.

The plan would see spectators lifted in ornate gondolas high above the river to the Dome, which is a possible venue for basketball and gymnastic events.

It is the latest idea put forward by EDAW, the consortium which this month won the right to produce London's bid for the games.

Jason Prior, managing director of the group, confirmed a cable car was one of several possible options for a river crossing. He said: "It would be an innovative, exciting and theatrical alternative."

The bulk of the games' venues suggested so far will be built in the lower Lea Valley, north of the Thames. But planners hope a giant cable car crossing will help integrate the Dome with the rest of the Olympic zone.

Hyde Park, Wimbledon, Lord's and the new Wembley would also play a prominent role if London wins the bid.

The capital is competing against Paris, New York, Madrid, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Leipzig, Istanbul and Havana.