Ex-Dome boss backs bid

Former Millennium Dome boss PY Gerbeau has caused an uproar in France for backing London's official bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

People in his native city of Paris claim he is a traitor for approaching Barbara Cassani, who is heading London's bid, to show his support.

Paris is regarded as London's biggest rival for the Games, having last hosted the event in 1924.

Gerbeau, 38 - who represented France at ice hockey at the Calgary Winter-Olympics in 1989 - has received an angry letter from the president of the French Olympic Federation saying he should be ashamed of himself as a Frenchman and former Olympian.

Gerbeau said: "I think Paris will win, but I'll be only too happy to do whatever I can to help London."

Britain launched its bid to bring the Olympic Games to London in May.