SUPPORTERS were today urged to put Weymouth and Portland in the shop window for the 2012 Olympics.

Organisers of the Back the Bid campaign want people to plaster South Dorset with 13,500 free posters to show the resort's support for the Olympic campaign.

Weymouth and Portland will host Sailing events if London is picked to hold the prestigious games in 2012.

Councils and businesses joined forces to design and print the A3 posters with the call to 'Back the Bid - Bring Sailing to Weymouth and Portland'.

Jacqui Gisborne, campaign leader from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: "We want people to put them up in windows at home, in shops, on noticeboards at work, staff canteens and inside shops.

"We need to raise awareness and show that we are backing the bid."

Getaway Digital in Hope Square, Weymouth, sponsored the design of the posters and an initial 2,500 print run.

George Afedakis, from the Acropolis Hotel on Dorchester Road in Weymouth, paid for another 10,000 and Dorset County Council paid for an extra 1,000 to go in its schools and offices.

Organisers want people in South Dorset to show support for the Games in Weymouth and Portland ready for when a MORI poll is held over the next week, an action day on December 20 and a visit by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selectors in February.

They say public support for the Games is vital as that is a major determining factor in the IOC's decision.

Sports figures have already backed the bid, as well as such businesses as Mr Afedakis and Olds of Portesham, which has taken 100 car stickers and flags for vehicles on its forecourt.

Free posters are available from the council offices on North Quay in Weymouth.

Flags are available for £1.50, pin badges at 50p and car stickers at 10p each.

Click on www www.london2012.org to back the bid or you can text LONDON to 82012.

Contact Jacqui Gisborne at the council on 01305 838000 and jacquigisborne@ weymouth.gov.uk to offer sponsorship and ideas for slogans supporting the bid.