Search for a Games legacy czar

The Government is to hire an Olympics "legacy czar" to boost participation in sport and attract private sector funding.

Ministers want to appoint a high-profile figure who can inspire more people to take up sport as well as attract sponsorship.

It comes amid accusations that the legacy of the London 2012 Games is uncertain, with critics claiming "four years have been wasted" in devising a strategy to get a million people taking part in more sport by 2012.

Both the British Olympic Association and the Central Council of Physical Recreation say using the Olympics to promote sport has not had a significant effect at grassroots level since the Olympic bid was won. CCPR chairwoman Brigid Simmonds said: "If we don't get it right, this huge opportunity will be lost."