Planning permission for a 178m slide looping around the Olympic Orbit sculpture was granted yesterday.

The helter skelter at the Olympic Park in Stratford will send visitors up to 15mph around the famous ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture designed by Sir Anish Kapoor.

A £5 ride, down the distinctive looping red steel tower which stands 114.5m high, will last about 40 seconds.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park director of visitor services Peter Tudor said: “What more exciting way to descend the ArcelorMittal Orbit than on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide?

“We are committed to ensuring our visitors have the best possible day out every time they visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and, as with all our venues, we are constantly exploring ways to ensure we lead the way with the latest visitor experience.

“This slide really will give a different perspective of Britain’s tallest sculpture.”

It is expected to open by spring next year.