Organisers of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been praised for the 'astounding' progress being made in preparation for the event, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Delegates from the IOC travelled to the capital in order to assess the ongoing construction of new venues at the Olympic Park site on what was their fourth visit to London since the city was awarded the 2012 Games in 2005. Denis Oswald, chair of the IOC's Coordination Commission for the London Games in 2012, said: "We have been greatly impressed by the good progress that London 2012 has made since our visit last year, particularly in moving from planning to operational delivery.

"This fast pace of development is no doubt down to the great spirit of co-operation that exists between the different partners involved in the 2012 project. Their ability to work as a team, plan ahead and solve issues together is ensuring the Games and legacy planning remain on track as we head towards 2012."