Trafalgar Square ... in colour

The Trafalgar Square fountains are to be given a makeover in time for the London Olympics.

The fountains, installed in 1845, will have a multi-coloured lighting system powered by a "green" energy system. They will be cleaned and repaired and the work could also see the return of the original 80ft plume of water. The new LED system will cut the fountain's carbon footprint by 90 per cent and will mean the waters can be coloured for different events.

Boris Johnson, announcing the plans today, said: "It is tremendously exciting. This will provide state-of-the-art illuminations whilst providing a showcase for low-carbon, energy efficient lighting in the capital."