Q actor Desmond Llewelyn launched the ride at the Trocadero Centre at Piccadilly Circus on Tuesday, the first to be based on a British film franchise and following in the footsteps of Hollywood hits such as Star Trek and Back To The Future.

Bond ride: A sure-fire success

The 85-year-old Bond veteran and Dame Judi Dench - who now plays M in the movies - both appear in virtual form in the ride.

Players are briefed by M, then see Q's gadget-filled workshop as they try to save a seismologist who has been seized by an evil "techno-terrorist".

Following in the footsteps of Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore and Sean Connery, they then leap into action in high-speed chases by air, sea and land to try to rescue the seismologist.

They can race on a motorcycle, dangle from a helicopter, battle evil foes and speed through explosions on a jet ski.

Bond scriptwriters and stunt designers have contributed to the new ride.

Stars including Nicole Appleton from the All Saints, Meg Matthews wife of Oasis' Noel Gallagher and Robert Carlyle - who plays a villain in the next Bond film - were at the Trocadero for the opening.