Blair and Beckham mark Wembley progress

The pair triggered a spectacular firework display over the new stadium's landmark arch before the Prime Minister highlighted the role the new Wembley would play in London 2012.

"Wembley has a special magic, and it is going to be the most spectacular stadium in the world," he said.

It would be 'hugely important' in its own right, he added, but is "also very important to our Olympic bid for 2012. It shows we can build the biggest and the best there can be."

The dramatic celebration, watched by guests including England Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, marked the 'topping out' of the 133 metre arch.

Four times the height of the original Twin Towers, and tall enough for the London Eye to be rolled underneath, the arch can be seen across London.

Michael Cunnah, Chief Executive of Wembley National Stadium Limited, said "amazing progress" had been made on the project so far.

And he highlighted the venue's role in a London 2012: "Wembley is a major part of the Olympic bid and this is the perfect opportunity to show our support, following the tremendous performance of Team GB in Athens."

The new stadium, due to open in 2006, will seat 90,000 people and offer unmatched views of the action. In 2012 it would host the finals of the Olympic football competitions.

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe said: "Wembley is a much-loved venue and one that the world has been watching as it transforms itself the most state-of-the-art stadium in the world.

"We are proud to include it in our plans for London 2012 and there will be no finer setting for the football finals.

"Our existing and new venues will be ready well before 2012 and will provide stunning backdrops for sporting events.

"We have seen what Team GB did in Athens. Now we need to build on that momentum and put on the greatest show on earth here on home soil. Wembley will help make this happen."

2 September 2004