Manchester United stars Back the Bid

The United heroes are the latest high-profile figures to add their signatures to the bid's giant flag, which is being signed at events all over the UK by celebrities from the worlds of sport, entertainment, politics and the arts.

Athens boxing silver medallist Amir Khan, from Bolton, joined the United stars at the club's Manchester training ground to demonstrate the bid's strong support in the North-West.

United's famous Old Trafford ground will host matches in the football tournament in 2012.

The giant flag - which measures 20m x 12m - will be presented to the International Olympic Committee before the vote to decide the 2012 host city. The vote takes place in Singapore on July 6 2005.

Double gold medallist Kelly Holmes was the first star to sign the flag when it was launched at last month's Parade of Heroes celebrations in Trafalgar Square.

Since then celebrities including Cherie Blair, Roger Moore, Alan Shearer, Matthew Pinsent, Joseph Fiennes and Dermot O'Leary have signed the flag.

Reigning champion Natasha Kaplinski led the stars of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing in showing their support.

Roger Black, a former Olympic silver medallist and competitor in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, said: "The Games should be held in one of the world's great cities.

"The time has come for London and Britain to show the world that we can host a superb Games."

You can also sign an online version of the London 2012 flag here.

15 November 2004