PEOPLE along the Dorset coast are being asked to back the bid to bring the Olympic games to London in 2012.

Our sister paper the Dorset Echo has been running a story every day to back the bid, which would bring the Sailing events to Weymouth and Portland.

Through the Echo last week, Olympic bid chairman Sebastian Coe told south coast residents this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He has promised to create the best Olympic Games the world has ever seen.

Lord Coe said: "Visiting the south west confirmed what I already knew - that people are passionate and enthusiastic about the idea of the games coming not only to their country, but much closer to home.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us. Let's not let this chance pass us by."

He asked people to register their support to beat rival cities Paris and Madrid as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would award the games to the people who want them most.

England's 600-page candidate file has already been handed to the IOC. In it, the bid bosses promised Weymouth and Portland a £12 million makeover if they succeed.

This would include improvements to the National Sailing Academy at Osprey Quay, parking schemes for thousands of visitors and VIP accommodation.

The million-pound boost will be on top of the existing £8m Sailing Academy development which is nearing completion.

Academy director John Tweed believed athletes and officials would stay on a luxury liner moored in Portland Port because of lack of suitable accommodation in the borough and stringent security arrangements.

Weymouth's long-awaited £55 million relief road will also be included in the Olympic bid.

It is believed the road will reduce travelling time between Weymouth and Dorchester by 17 minutes.

Olympic medallists visited Portland Harbour at the weekend for a multisport aquathon to boost the campaign.

The bid can be backed by clicking on the website www.london2012.com and texting London 82012.

First published: December 2