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London 2012: Boris Johnson says 'we are ready'


London is now ready to host the Olympic Games, a panel of inspectors has been told.

On their penultimate check-up before next July's tournament, Boris Johnson told the panel both the venues and Olympic Park are complete.

The mayor of London also claimed the city's transport system - the focus of much concern ahead of the Games - is being transformed.

This visit runs until Friday and will take in all of the major venues.

Inspectors have already listened to a series of presentations and were told £6.5bn is being invested in London's transport network.

They heard extra capacity is being built on the Jubilee line, the Docklands Light Railway to Woolwich and Stratford International.

Mr Johnson said: "Our venues are ready, our park is ready, our transport system is being transformed.

"Excitement around London 2012 is already reaching fever pitch and there is no doubt the capital will live up to everyone's expectations but there is still much to do over the coming months."

The Olympic Stadium running track was unveiled this week.

The stadium itself, Aquatics Centre, Velodrome and handball and basketball arenas and media centre have already been built.

The situation is in contrast to both the 2004 Athens Olympics and last year's Commonwealth Games in India.

Both events saw builders rushing to finish venues on time.

The panel also heard about plans for London boroughs to use £50,000 grants to decorate their neighbourhoods with Olympic regalia in 2012.

The IOC inspectors followed on the heels of a commission from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) evaluating London's bid for the 2017 athletics world championships.