London Eye gets a spring clean

Cleaners wore harnesses and protective gear to clean the pods

One of London's most iconic landmarks has had a spring clean in time for the new season.

Staff braved heights of 135m (443ft) to reach the glass pods on the London Eye on the South Bank and ensure each one was washed and polished.

The landmark, which first opened in 2000, has 32 pods, each weighing 11 tonnes.

A crew of cleaners wore harnesses and protective gear while being hoisted atop the pods.

The cleaning has been taking place with the spectacular backdrop of the Houses of Parliament's Elizabeth Tower

Pictures of the cleaners show them suspended in the air while cleaning the wheel's capsules against the backdrop of Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben

Imran Tauqir, general manager at the lastminute.com London Eye, said: "This is polishing with a panoramic view.

The cleaning ensures visitors can fully enjoy the panoramic view

"Keeping every pane of glass in our pods gleaming all year round is vital so we can ensure our visitors can take in the full majesty of our world-famous views across the capital.

"2023 is set to be a big year for us, with London forecast to receive 21.6 million visitors across the year.

"We're looking forward to a spring season of celebration in the capital, thanks to Easter, the coronation and an extra bank holiday."

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