Prime Minister David Cameron and local schoolchildren turned on the London 2012 Olympic Stadium’s floodlights for the first time.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, London Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe, Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) Chairman John Armitt and Olympic Park workers, members of the local community and schoolchildren were also there to see the Stadium light up.

Mr Cameron said: "It's a real honour to turn on the Olympic Stadium's floodlights for the first time.

"We're shining a light on this Stadium and the brilliant work that's been done on the Olympic Park so far. In 2012 a light will shine on all of our country as billions look on. I want the world to see that Britain is a confident, forward-looking country – a great place to live, work, invest and do business. I want to see huge spin-off benefits as people come and see our culture, heritage, great cities, countryside and our dynamism – and decide they want to come back again.

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"Beyond 2012 we want to ensure these Games deliver a strong legacy – not just regenerating this part of east London, but boosting our national economy and inspiring a new generation to get active and get into sport."

The Stadium is lit by 532 individual floodlights housed in 14 towers suspended 70 metres above the field of play. The 'lights on' moment comes as work to install all spectator seats within the Stadium has been completed. It means the venue remains on track to be completed more than a year ahead of the London 2012 Games.

The floodlights are positioned to conform to standards required for international athletics events and current broadcast criteria regarding high definition.

(CD)