The spire was lifted into place by a special crane

The 27m (88.6ft) 14-tonne (14,000kg) spire, which was lifted on by a crane designed for the job, brings the tower to its finished height.

The ready-assembled spire contains aircraft warning lights and a lightning conductor.

The �24m tower itself is due to be completed at the end of May 2005.

Barbara Thompson, strategic director for economy, culture and community safety with Portsmouth City Council, said: "It's been a long and challenging project but we're now on the home straight.

"The tower is going to be a lasting asset to Portsmouth and something of which we can be proud."

Built on Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker Tower was first approved by the Millennium Commission in 1995 and has been beset by delays and is currently about �10m over budget.