Olympics rings Tower over London! Iconic symbol unveiling on bridge marks one month until Games

• London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and mayor Boris Johnson among the VIPs who watched the rings being lowered from one of the capital's most iconic landmarks

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Published: 11:42 EDT, 27 June 2012 | Updated: 12:20 EDT, 27 June 2012

With only a month to go before sport's global spotlight rests on London, organisers of the Olympic Games began the countdown in spectacular fashion.

Giant Olympic rings suspended from Tower Bridge have been unveiled, making a striking statement on one of the capital's most iconic landmarks.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and mayor Boris Johnson were among the VIPs who watched as the rings - 25 metres wide and 11.5 metres tall - were lowered into place on the central London bridge on the River Thames.

The rings, which weigh three tonnes, cost £259,817 to produce and installing them is estimated to have cost £53,000.

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One month to go! The Olympic rings have been unveiled on London's Tower Bridge. The rings, which weigh three tonnes, cost £259,817 to produce

Final countdown? The rings were locked up before being released on full show for all to see. All costs have been met from the £32 million Look and Celebration budget

Iconic symbol: Lord Coe, a two-time Olympic 1500m champion, said the rings inspire athletes and unite people around the world

All costs have been met from the £32 million Look and Celebration budget, which will be used to back free cultural events across London.

Lord Coe, a two-time Olympic 1500m champion, said: 'The Olympic rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport.

'With one month to go to the Olympic Games opening ceremony, these spectacular rings on one of London's most famous landmarks will excite and inspire residents and visitors in the capital.'

A light show, complete with beams of changing colours and intensity, is set to bring the rings to life tonight.

Thumbs up: London Mayor Boris Johnson and Games chairman Lord Coe were there at the unveiling

London calling: Lord Sebastian Coe attends the unveiling of the giant set of Olympic rings. The best athletes in the world will begin their quest for gold in a month's time

It will put into action Tower Bridge's new lighting system, involving 1,800 special energy-efficient LED lights, 2,000 metres of energy-efficient LED linear lights, 5,000 metres of cable and 1,000 junction boxes.

The Yorkshire-made rings are attached to a modular aluminium grid which is 17m by 22m. Together they weigh about 13 tonnes.

Describing the sight as 'glorious Tower Bridge', Mr Johnson said the landmark was the perfect choice to showcase what London has to offer this summer.

He said: 'With just a month to go, we are making our final preparations and want to ensure each and every person in the capital gets a flavour of the celebrations and feels part of the Games.'

From afar: Even from a distance, there's no mistaking the Olympic rings on Tower Bridge. A light show, complete with beams of changing colours and intensity, is set to bring the rings to life tonight

The unveiling of the rings coincide with one month countdown until the Games begin. Giant mobile Olympic rings will travel up and down past waterfront landmarks

Each of London's famous bridges, from Hungerford Bridge to London Bridge, will be lit in 'a dazzling display of colour' during the evenings, according to the mayor's office.

Giant mobile Olympic rings will travel up and down past famous waterfront landmarks.

The Agitos, the giant swirling symbol of the Paralympic movement, will replace the rings on Tower Bridge for the Paralympic Games.

The city-wide Look and Celebration programme for the Games includes free events, shows, entertainment and cultural pieces, designed to show the world the best the city has to offer.

Impressive: The huge Olympic rings before they were lowered into place. Each of London's famous bridges, from Hungerford Bridge to London Bridge, will be lit in 'a dazzling display of colour' during the evenings

Made in England: The Yorkshire-manufactured rings are attached to a modular aluminium grid which is 17m by 22m. Together they weigh about 13 tonnes

VIDEO: Boris and Coe unveil rings! Olympic Rings unveiled on Tower Bridge in London!...