Parade boosts London 2012 bid

Organisers are expecting at least 250,000 people to turn out for Monday's parade of Olympic medallists and boost London's 2012 Olympic bid.

At least 47 Olympic medallists, including double champion Kelly Holmes and Matthew Pinsent, are taking part in the parade into Trafalgar Square which will also feature medallists from this year's Paralympics.

Although the occasion will not be on the same scale as the England rugby team's World Cup celebrations last year, a huge turn-out would send a clear message to Olympic leaders about Britain's enthusiasm for the Games.

The battle for the 2012 Games is entering a key stage. London and rivals Paris, New York, Moscow and Madrid will hand in detailed plans next month to the IOC before a commission of experts visits the capital in February.

London 2012 Communications Director Mike Lee said: "The victory parade is important. It can send a message out internationally."