DECEMBER 12 - PUBLIC support for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is at its highest measured level since London was awarded the event, new research published today has shown.

The latest market research conducted on behalf of the London Organising Committee shows that 79 per cent of the public support the Games taking place in London in 2012.

This compares to 75 per cent approval in September 2005, the last time the LOCOG conducted nationwide research.

The research was conducted throughout the UK in December.

The strongest support for staging the Games in London came from respondents in Wales and the West of England, with 87 per cent of those polled in favour of hosting the 2012 Games in London.

Of those polled in the North of England 80 per cent were in favour, with 79 per cent support in the South and 78 per cent support in the Midlands. 

Londoners gave a 75 per cent approval rating for the Games - strongly in line with recent research by London print and broadcast media outlets.

In Scotland64 per cent of those polled were in favour of London hosting the Games in 2012.

The highest levels of support for the London Games came from respondents in the 31 - 35 age group. 88 per cent of 31-35 year olds questioned in the survey supported London hosting the Games. Support was strong across all age groups, from under 25 to over 55 years.

Sebastian Coe, the chairman of LOCOG, said:  "These results are very heartening, and reflect the support we have seen on our travels around the UK.

"Our aim is to deliver a memorable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games with a lasting legacy for the nation, and we have made very good progress to date, with several ‘milestone’ moments in recent weeks.

"The whole of the UK is looking at ways to maximise benefits from the Games, from business opportunities, to tourism benefits to inspiring more young people to take up sport, and such strong public support will help us make sure no opportunities are missed. ”