The second of two new pedestrian walkways has opened across the Thames in central London, linking the South Bank arts complex with the attractions of the West End.

The two Hungerford Bridges, constructed alongside the main rail bridge into Charing Cross station, are expected to carry seven million people a year.

They cost �60m and took two years to build.

The builders had to overcome the difficulties of building around an existing structure, maintaining a crossing for the public at all times and sinking piles near two London Underground tunnels.

Carl Powell of Westminster Council said: "We now have a clean, safe environment for visitors, residents and business in London to link the West End with the emerging entertainment district of the South Bank."