DO NOT PUBLISH: Hollywood sign unveiled after major makeover

LOS ANGELES  (AFP) - The refurbished Hollywood sign was presented in all its freshly painted glory on Tuesday after its biggest makeover for 35 years, in time for 90th birthday celebrations next year.

Some 1,637 litres of fresh bright white paint was applied over the last two months to the Tinseltown icon, which sits atop Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills north of Los Angeles (LA).

"This sign is so beautiful. It's where people, when they get off the plane at LAX (airport), this is where they want to come to. It's a special day," said the LA city council member for Hollywood, Mr Tom LaBonge.

He and other dignitaries spoke at a press conference held beneath the sign by the Hollywood Sign Trust, which manages the structure, to announce the completion of the paint job.