'UK can learn from Athens'

Britain's Olympic bid can learn a lot from the experience of Athens, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said in the Greek capital today.

The minister said she was in Greece both to support our athletes and to learn how to make London's 2012 bid a winner.

"I'm here to look, learn and listen for London - so we can apply the experience the Greeks have had to the future," she said.

"I'm sure we can win. If we are given the chance we can host one of the greatest games ever."

A particular lesson London could learn from Athens, she said, was how to "support the city in the face of doomsayers - they have turned it around".

After all the questions over whether venues would be ready in time or security up to scratch, she said, "the city is looking great".

Ms Jowell will be flying the flag for Britain along with Tony Blair, due to arrive in Athens before tomorrow's opening ceremony.