IT is a world first that could at long last bring the Wow factor to Southampton.

Civic chiefs are poised to create a monumental landmark for the city that will be seen for miles around.

Travellers approaching Southampton by rail, car, sea or air will be greeted by four giant laser beams shining from the top of the civic centre clock tower.

It has been dubbed The Southampton Laser Gateway.

When installed, the green lasers will be seen from 15 miles away: the Isle of Wight in the south, the New Forest in the west, Winchester to the north and Waterlooville in the east.

The dramatic new feature for the city is designed to look like a lighthouse - in keeping with Southampton's maritime traditions.

Civic leaders are hoping to turn on the lasers at a special ceremony in late March or early April next year to coincide with the 95th anniversary commemorations of the tragic sinking of the Titanic which sank in April 1912 with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

The £249,000 cost will be paid for by the South East of England Development Agency which will pass the cash to the Southampton Partnership, a body consisting of councillors, business interests and other agencies formed to promote the city.

Southampton Partnership chairman Ros Cassy told the Daily Echo: "This investment of SEEDA funding by the Southampton Partnership is a tangible example of how we are committed to promoting Southampton and its heritage through developing cutting- edge projects.

Aspirations "I am delighted that we have been able to work with a team of people to translate our aspirations for the city into this ground-breaking project and really light up the city.

"Southampton has a proud maritime history and a commitment to innovation. Our laser gateway captures the essence of our city brilliantly."

The lasers will fire a 2.7mm diameter beam of light to all four major points of the compass where they will illuminate the Solent and surrounding countryside from dusk until midnight every day.

The project has got the backing of English Heritage as it will not involve any structural alterations to the Grade II listed clock tower.