Iconic London landmark Tower Bridge has undergone an image refresh ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this week, as the installation of a new low-carbon lighting system was unveiled in a bumper year for the capital.

This weekend will see the first official outing for the state-of-the-art system, as the bridge's new LED lighting installation will gleam white in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.

And the Bridge will also be a key landmark as part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with plans to augment the lights with a giant set of Olympic Rings for the 45-day duration of the event.

Mayor Boris Johnson, who helped to reach an innovative funding deal with bridge owners the City of London Corporation to undertake the work without any additional cost to the taxpayer, stressed the Bridge's key role in the summer's events.

"Tower Bridge is already a global icon and this much-loved landmark is now even more spectacular thanks to a world-class illumination system," said the Mayor.

"As London gears up for a summer like no other, this fantastic lighting makeover is another example of how the capital is benefitting from the Games.

"Tower Bridge can now play a starring role in our celebrations, starting off this weekend by being bathed in a stately white light for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."

The state-of-the-art system has seen LED lighting and a new cabling solution installed to make illuminating the bridge both more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

A total of 1,800 energy-efficient LED light bulbs have been fitted despite planning permission only being granted in November 2011, which allow the Bridge to be lit up in different colours, allowing staff the control to turn different segments of the bridge on and off, and all while reducing energy outlay by up to 40 per cent.

And London's commitment to LED lighting doesn't stop there. Ahead of the Olympics, the capital is pioneering trials of LED street lighting, reducing energy consumption and allowing sensors installed to monitor lighting levels and adjust brightness accordingly to save a further 50 per cent in energy costs.