Madame Tussauds unveils Obama figure

Madame Tussauds is to let American tourists in free of charge to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama as US President.

The London attraction will waive its entrance fee, which starts at £12.23, to American citizens on January 20, to celebrate the debut of its wax figure of the president-elect.

Visitors can get up close and personal with the world's most powerful man in a recreation of the Oval office.

They can stand behind the Resolute desk used by presidents since 1880 and pace the American eagle-patterned carpet.

The figure of Mr Obama will be in an informal and relaxed pose, smiling, with his arms casually folded and dressed in a tailored suit.

All US citizens will be given free entry to the attraction "on presentation of valid documentation", Madame Tussauds said.