Belfast stands ready to help London make the 2012 Olympic Games the biggest and most successful ever, according to the city’s Lord Mayor, Wallace Browne, speaking as it was confirmed that London will host the 30th Olympiad in seven years’ time.

“This is tremendous news – not just for London but for the entire United Kingdom,” said Councillor Browne, after hearing the announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday.

“I can assure the organisers of the London Olympics that Belfast will give them whatever support they need to make these Games the most successful in the history of the event, and we look forward to working with them to ensure this success.”

NIO Minister David Hanson said the decision was "wonderful news" for the whole of the UK and would bring benefits to Northern Ireland in terms of both sport and the economy.

"In the run-up to the event, competing nations will need to acclimatise and prepare for the Games," he said.

"We can offer competitors, coaches, administrators and friends a warm welcome, good training facilities and a unique opportunity to experience our wide and varied culture."

London triumphed over the French capital Paris by 54 votes to 50 after the fourth and final round of voting. Moscow, New York and Madrid were all eliminated in earlier rounds.

(MB/GB)