Discussions are taking place on plans to preserve HMS Ark Royal and keep the ship at the Royal Docks in east London.

Under proposals being considered by the Major of London, the aircraft carrier would become a museum and visitor attraction similar to HMS Belfast, currently anchored in the River Thames near Tower Bridge. Built in 1981, Ark Royal is now in the process of being decommissioned as part of the government's Strategic Defence and Security Review and the museum option is one of three being considered by the Ministry of Defence.

The others are either selling her to another navy or scrapping her. Should the plans come to fruition, Ark Royal will become the only aircraft carrier in Europe open to the public and could host shops, restaurants, events and possibly a hotel.

Anthony Browne, economic advisor to the Mayor of London, said: "In other parts of the world, decommissioned aircraft carriers have been turned into successful visitor attractions. "We'll help those who would like to do the same with the Ark Royal and bring it to London, as it could help with the economic regeneration."