London 2012 Olympics Triumph

The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London, the International Olympic Committee has announced.

London won by just 4 votes from Paris who were the favourites to host the summer olympics in 2012. Earlier bids from Moscow, New York and Madrid had been eliminated.

Prime Minister Tony Blair declared the win as "a momentous day" for Britain.

It was thought the outstanding presentation led by Lord Coe had convinced the International Olympic Commitee to award London the prize to run the 2012 olympics.

The announcement was made by the IOC president Jacques Rogge at 12:49 UK Time.

This will be the first time the Olympics have been held in Britain since 1948.

Lord Coe said afterwards: "This is just the most fantastic opportunity to do everything we ever dreamed of in British sport."

The Queen, who gave a message to Coe, said: "I send my warmest congratulations to you and every member of the London 2012 team for winning the bid for the UK.

"It's a really outstanding achievement to beat such a highly competitive field."

It had appeared that London was ahead in every round of voting except the second round when Madrid polled the most votes.