Golden times for black cabs

The gold cabs will be a visual reminder of the Jubilee

Two enduring images of London are being given the Midas touch as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

A fleet of black cabs and red double-decker buses are being sprayed gold to mark Queen Elizabeth's 50 years on the throne.

London Tourist Board (LTB) unveiled the first gold cab to roll off the production line at the British Travel Trade Fair in Birmingham on Wednesday.

Each of the 50 gold taxis will be individually numbered to reflect each year of Her Majesty's reign.

A fleet of red buses will be given a lick of gold paint

They are expected to be seen on the streets of London later this month, with 50 gold Jubilee double-decker buses due out in late May.

The vehicles will transport visitors around the capital during the Golden Jubilee celebrations and beyond.

Rachel Smith, director of communications at LTB, said the idea was to promote London's heritage and royal connections.

"We think it is a good way to promote the Golden Jubilee in London.

"It is a huge attraction to get people into the city from overseas and the UK.

"The taxis are a nice touch, it reminds people the Jubilee is happening. It is a great way of raising awareness of the Golden Jubilee to see them out and about on the streets."

The gold taxis are being manufactured by London Taxis International.