The London team will hear in 2005 if they have been successful

The prime minister's wife was in Athens to see the men's coxless four row to Olympic glory.

She had little hesitation in agreeing to help the London cause, saying she was looking forward to making the bid "become a reality".

London is competing against Paris, Madrid, New York and Moscow to host the 2012 games.

On the case

"I have always been a great supporter of the plan to bring the Olympic Games to London in 2012," she said.

Reported to be a sports enthusiast, Mrs Blair attended both days of the Olympic athletics trials in Manchester.

Lord Coe, who heads London's campaign, said one of the reasons the prime minister's wife returned to Athens was to "learn more about the Olympic movement and how the Games are run".

"Cherie Blair has a great passion for sport and for the Olympics and wants to see more people, particularly women, become involved in sport," he said.

"Her return to the city is a sign of her commitment to Olympic sport and Britain's campaign to host the Games in 2012. I believe she will be a huge asset to the bid."