China expects every man to do his duty

Guess which company has stepped in to sponsor the œ140,000 project to floodlight Nelson's Column in London? Trafalgar House you cry, the Telescope Manufacturers Association perhaps, or even the Society of Pigeon Lovers.

Wrong on all counts, for it is the Chinese-language newspaper Sing Tao Daily, based in Hong Kong, that is footing the bill. Sing Tao stepped forward and struck a deal with the Department of National Heritage and Westminster City Council, the reward being that its name will be inscribed on ornamental metal posts round the famous column in Trafalgar Square.

Floodlights will illuminate Nelson up on top, the lions below and the column itself, as well as various statues dotted round the square.

Fibre-optic lighting will also be installed in the fountains, so let's hope none of the drunks end up sitting on one after New Year's Eve revelries.