London 2012: Olympic bunting goes up

Image caption, Each borough has been given 拢50,000 by the mayor to decorate the area

London has started its final preparations for the Olympic Games as colourful banners and bunting are put on display.

Bunting equivalent in length to more than 2,000 Routemaster buses is going up across town centres, railway stations and landmark locations.

Sculptures to "inspire people during the Games" such as giant javelins are also being installed.

The first decorations have already gone up in the Games' host area, Stratford.

In Victoria Park, a giant tea-making machine will help people make the perfect cup of tea while at Kings Cross station, a "Song Board" will allow people to create sounds by turning black and white spheres.

Each borough has been given 拢50,000 by the mayor so that it can look its best.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "With less than 50 days to go before the greatest show on earth I am delighted that London is getting spruced up to show why it's the best city in the world in which to live, visit and invest.

"The Diamond Jubilee showed just how fantastic the city can look during a celebration and the Games will offer another superb opportunity to capture people's imaginations and make them feel part of this once-in-a-lifetime event."