Fleet Street editors Back the Bid

The message, which is running as a half-page advertisement in the International Herald Tribune, wishes the bid team good luck just two days before the result of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games race.

The unprecedented statement has been signed by editors of broadsheet and tabloid papers with a combined daily circulation of more than 12 million.

The message reads: "As editors of the UK's national newspapers we wish everyone involved in the delegation to Singapore the very best of luck in their presentation to the International Olympic Committee.

"We are hoping to be able to report on a victory for London and the whole country on 6 July and look forward to an unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic Games in London in 2012."

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe welcomed the advertisement, which will be seen by Tribune readers all over the world.

"This is an unprecedented show of support from the UK media," said the double Olympic champion.

"UK newspapers are known and followed throughout the world and set the global standard for the breadth and depth of their reporting.

"This demonstrates the goodwill that exists among the media for London's bid."

4 July 2005