Coe promises magic at 2012 Olympics

London promised a Games where "magic happens" if Olympic chiefs award it the 2012 Olympics.

Lord Coe, the London 2012 bid chairman and a double Olympic champion, said the capital was offering a "vision of inspiration and legacy" for future generations.

Lord Coe's speech to International Olympic Committee members in Singapore drew upon his own memories of how the Mexico Olympics inspired him to become a world-class athlete.

He told the IOC, many of whom are former athletes: "Choose London and you send a clear message to the youth of the world the Olympic Games is for you.

"Some might say your decision is between five similar bids. That would be to undervalue the opportunity before you.

"It is a critical decision about which bid offers the vision and sporting legacy but protects the Olympic Games. It is a decision about which city shows a generation why sport matters."

The Princess Royal, speaking in her role as an International Olympic Committee member and as a board member of London's bid, began London's crucial final presentation with a message from the Queen.

In it, the Queen said: "I have been impressed by the way everyone has united behind London's bid. As a country, we share a passion for sport.

"I was glad to welcome the evaluation commission to Buckingham Palace this year and I very much hope to welcome each of you to the Palace in 2012."

The bidding race, against Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow, is seen as one of the closest in Olympic history.