Brown backs 2012 funding effort

The Prime Minister said he would be summoning a Downing Street summit in the autumn - involving all the major sports governing bodies - to look at the lessons that could be learned from the London Games.

As part of that effort, the Government will be publishing an incentive plan to secure at least £80 million in private sector sponsorship for Britain's elite athletes in 2012.

Firms will be encouraged to sponsor individual athletes or particular teams in an effort to propel them to sporting glory in London.

The scheme has, however, already run into fierce criticism from the British Olympic Association chairman, Lord Moynihan, amid concerns that private sponsors have been slow to come forward.

Speaking to reporters in Beijing, where he is attending the final days of the current Games, Mr Brown said that he wanted Britain to build on its successes there.

"Our challenge now is to turn what has been two weeks of great sporting success into 10 years of sporting triumph for our country," he said.

"We have got to prove that success is not just a one-off. We must see 2012 as a huge opportunity to bring the fervour of Beijing, which has captivated people in our country, into the British Olympics."

The Prime Minister also gave a strong hint that the achievements of Britain's Olympic champions in Beijing, such as Chris Hoy and Rebecca Addington, would be recognised through the Honours' List.

"I think the whole country will want to see our athletes honoured and I think the country will want to celebrate their successes and give them the permanent recognition," he said.