Tessa Jowell says IOC inspectors were impressed by London

The Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport said the IOC's evaluation committee had examined 17 elements of the plans for the 2012 Games.

Their report was "apparently the best report they've ever given a city".

Ms Jowell added that the 15 inspectors were "even more fulsome" during private conversations with her.

She told the BBC the inspectors had given a "ringing endorsement" to London's efforts.

"They regard us as doing better than any city. We're ahead of other cities, and on every single measure that they've applied to us we're doing precisely what they want, and precisely what they expect.

"That could hardly have been better."

Private discussions

She added: "I think the inspectors kind of warmed to that sense of commitment, because they all believe in the benefit, if you like the magic, that the Olympic Games can bring to a city.

"I spent quite a lot of time with them. They didn't say anything to me privately that was not reflected in what they said publicly.

"In fact, they were even more fulsome privately in the discussions I had with them than they were publicly."

The IOC said it was "satisfied we don't have any areas of concern" at the end of its three-day visit, which involved a tour of various parts of London to assess preparations for the Games, including a trip to the main Olympic site at Stratford, in the east of the capital.

Key targets for the project include making the UK a leading sporting nation and securing 50,000 new jobs.

Ms Jowell also told BBC Five Live that people would get used to the Olympic logo, which has drawn much criticism since it was unveiled.

"I think that over time people will at very worst get used to it and maybe some of the people who say they really hate it now will grow to like it," she said.