Routemasters could feature surround sound cinemas, bicycle racks and special areas for pets as the design for the iconic bus is opened up to normal Londoners.

The traditional bus, which disappeared from all but a central London tourist route, is to get a re-design, with the winning entry taking £25,000.

London mayor Boris Johnson launched the search for the new jump-on jump-off bus at the London Transport Museum and called on all Londoners to submit their ideas.

He said: "London deserves a bus fit for the 21st Century and I want as many people as possible to submit their ideas.

"Whether you're a professional designer who can submit a detailed plan or you are someone who uses buses every day and has one great idea that would make your journey better, we want to hear from you."

Would-be designers have to take into account an open platform for jumping on and off of, good use of space and green technology.

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