FORMER England Rugby captain Phil de Glanville is tackling a new challenge - getting people fired up for the London 2012 bid.

The new head of partnerships for Sport England South West visited Portland to urge more public support for the capital's Olympic campaign.

He said it was vital for people across the UK to actively support the bid as the International Olympic Committee would use the level of public support to rate the competing cities.

Bath-based Mr de Glanville, who played for England 38 times, said: "There are huge benefits for the South West if London wins the bid. Members of the International Olympic Committee will be canvassing opinion around the UK in December to see how supportive people are."

He added: "A real cross-section of the sports centres will benefit as all the teams from around the world will need to be based somewhere during the games.

"People will arrive well before the Olympics for training camps and acclimatisation stays - there are massive opportunities for facilities all over the South West.

Mr de Glanville, 36, was speaking at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy to honour the region's medal-winning athletes. He started his new job in January this year after retiring from professional rugby.

Mr De Glanville's rugby career saw him captain England in 1996, score eight international tries and play in two world cups.

London is competing against Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow to host the 2012 Games. Weymouth and Portland will host the sailing events if the bid is successful.

London's bid team submits its candidate file to the IOC on November 15.

A 12-man team of committee members will visit the UK in February next year to see for themselves the facilities on offer.

The final decision will be made during an IOC vote on July 6.