PM: Olympics Will Be 'Greatest Show On Earth'

This summer's London Olympics and Paralympics will be "the greatest show on Earth", David Cameron promised as he welcomed inspectors from the International Olympic Committee.

Members of the body's co-ordination commission are carrying out a final inspection visit before the Games get under way in July.

IOC president Jacques Rogge praised the level of preparedness, saying: "We are happy at the IOC."

He is in Britain to get updates on Games preparations from Mr Cameron, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

Speaking alongside Mr Rogge at 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the London Games would provide a lasting legacy to improve Britain's sport, health, culture and the economy.

Promising "great sport, great culture, great business and great legacy for Britain", Mr Cameron hailed the efforts to encourage young people to get involved in sporting events, including the School Games.

"The Olympics will revitalise local sport in Britain for generations to come," he said.

The PM highlighted successes in finding uses for Olympic venues after the Games, telling Mr Rogge: "I think it is time to tear up any notion of the Olympics leaving behind white elephants.

"London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy. We can already see tangible results in the remarkable regeneration of east London.

"This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts."

The Government's blueprint - called Beyond 2012 - includes pledges of a lasting sporting, economic, regeneration and community benefits to be delivered after the Games.

The Olympic Park in Stratford, east London has been a showcase for the UK construction industry, with 98% of the work going to UK-based companies.

Another £900m has been added to the economy from the 94% of London 2012 contracts which have been won by British firms, the blueprint document said.

The Government also predicts a £3bn economic boost after London 2012 spearheaded by current marketing drives such as the GREAT advertising campaign along with Games-linked trade and investment work.

Transport improvements, including a £200m upgrade to Stratford station ,turning one of the worst-connected parts of the capital into one of the best, are named among the new build and infrastructure changes spurred on by the Games.

On the Games themselves, the IOC has already said it believes the London 2012 Organising Committee (Locog) is "doing an excellent job".

All the major venues have been completed and are now being fitted out, ticket sales have been good, and the last programmes to get ready for July 27 are now being rolled out.

British IOC member Sir Craig Reedie said he believed the co-ordination commission would find little to concern them.

He said: "I would expect the commission to check the final delivery systems for the various client groups, including sponsors, and I would be surprised if there was any question that London could not give a good answer to.

"Arrangements to date are as good as can be."