Boris left dangling by zip wire mishap

London Mayor Boris Johnson was left dangling in the air when he got stranded on a zip wire while trying to make a dramatic entry to an Olympic party in one of London's parks.

In his trademark black suit and shoes, helmeted and holding two Union Jack flags in the drizzle, the portly Johnson shouted for help after his zip wire - an attraction favoured by school children - got into a tangle in London's Victoria Park.

"We are glad the mayor is safe and can only apologise for keeping him hanging on the line," a BT spokesman said on behalf of the telecoms company who sponsored the event.

A spokeswoman for Johnson said the mayor remained unbowed.

"Clearly the judges are likely to mark him down for artistic interpretation and, unlike Team GB, he won't be bagging any gold medals today."

Rumours on Twitter that the British archery team would move venues to take aim at their mayor appeared to be unfounded.

Reuters

Boris Johnson (via Twitter users)