Work starts on Wembley arch

London today moved a step closer to having a new landmark when workers at Wembley began hoisting the new stadium's giant arch.

Rising 133metres off the ground, the metal structure will be visible from as far away as Canary Wharf when it reaches its final position next month. It will replace the twin towers as the emblem of Wembley.

Engineers had hoped to raise the arch last February but welding faults caused a delay. The arch's foundations also needed reinforcing to support the 1,700-tonne structure.

Once the arch is raised, work can begin in the stadium's roof. Officials remain confident the project will be completed in early 2006, in time to stage that year's FA Cup final.