'Show Olympic passion'

Tony Blair today issued an appeal to Londoners to show "passion" for the Olympic bid or risk trailing behind rivals Paris.

The Prime Minister delivered the warning at a special Cabinet presentation on the capital's campaign to host the 2012 Games.

Mr Blair praised the planning for the spectacular stadiums and transport organisation, telling ministers that London's effort was "clearly technically superior" to any other city. But he warned that that alone would not be enough to secure victory when the International Olympic Committee chooses a host next year. "What will impress the Olympic Committee is the passion of this country and London for the Olympic bid," the Prime Minister said.

Mr Blair's official spokesman said the Premier was convinced London could win and the entire government was united behind the campaign.

"He believes that passion exists and that the next few weeks and months is the time for the country to show it really wants the Olympics to come here in 2012.

"The country and London have to show it is passionately behind the bid."

Double Olympic medallist Lord Coe gave a presentation to ministers on a r rangements and stressed that it would leave behind "a huge legacy for the UK as a whole" if London won.

He hailed the campaign as "a once in a lifetime opportunity" for Britain which may not

arise again for decades to come. The former runner assured ministers that transport arrangements, including special shuttle services, would be second to none.

"Seb Coe had nothing but praise for the London transport system in terms of what it will be like in 2012," said Downing Street.

Meanwhile, doctors' leaders today proposedtax relief on sports and healthier school menus as a solution to Britain's obesity epidemic. They claimed the move could encourage people to take up sports like tennis, which can cost ?5 for court hire.

Graham Archard, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, which was hosting a London meeting, said: "Most people can't afford sports such as tennis. One idea might be to offer tax relief on exercise. After all, obese people are likely to use more NHS resources than fit people."