Blair plans boost for London bid

Tony Blair has given his support to London's bid for the 2012 Olympics

Tony Blair says he plans to get tips on London's Olympic bid and network while he is in Athens.

Speaking to Five Live's Nicky Campbell in Schinias, which is hosting rowing, Mr Blair said he was in Greece for both "work and pleasure".

Mr Blair said the opening ceremony had been "fantastic" and got the Games off to a "great start".

Wife Cherie, said it was "great" to be in Greece, adding: "It's fantastic, we are doing so well."

Mr Blair, who saw Matthew Pinsent lead Britain's men's coxless fours into the semi-finals, said he was hoping to learn a great deal about how a successful bid is put together while in Athens.

"There's a huge amount of work going into the [London] bid," he said.

"Already the technical aspect is looking very good."

He said it was important, if the bid was successful, the Olympics leave London with "a better infrastructure, facilities and an awakened enthusiasm for sport in the country".

Mr Blair said sport was "a great unifier".

"It's good for young people, there's no better educator," he said.

"There's lots of examples of kids going off the rails and coming back through sport."