New viewing platform for Monument

The Monument was built in 1666 by Sir Christopher Wren

A new modern viewing platform has been installed at the top of the Monument, one of the City of London's most prominent landmarks.

The balustrade, and cage, which is constructed of lightweight cable mesh, was installed on Saturday by a crane.

The new platform cage replaces the former 1950s structure of iron bars.

The Monument closed in July 2007 for a £4.5m restoration programme, paid for by the City of London, and is due to reopen next Spring.

The cage is stretched over stainless steel tubes, reminiscent of a "bird cage".

The balustrade and cage were lifted on to the viewing platform in two sections at about 1000 BST and then welded together on site.

The Monument stands 202ft (61m) high at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill and was built by Sir Christopher Wren to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666 and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.

Every year more than 10,000 people climb the 311 spiral steps to the top of the building to enjoy the views of London.

The £4.5m project also involves the cleaning and repair of the Monument's stonework and the re-gilding of its orb.