Jonathan Edwards brings the Olympic message to the Midlands

The 2012 specially-branded bus is making its first stop outside London and will eventually call at 50 cities and sporting venues.

Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, member of the organising committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, is visiting the West Midlands.

He and the bus will be at three Birmingham venues, plus Much Wenlock in Shropshire and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The roadshow began on Thursday on the first anniversary of London's success at learning it is to host the 2012 games.

MONDAY'S VENUES Hamstead Hall School Handsworth, Birmingham Culture WM Conference at Villa Park Birmingham, a 2012 football venue High-Performance Centre at the Alexander Stadium Birmingham Simworx, Kingswinford Much Wenlock Stratford-upon-Avon

The roadshow aims to remind businesses and tourist chiefs about the economic opportunities presented by the games.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: "2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we have got to make sure everyone can see the benefits and feel part of this extraordinary event."

Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, added: "The national roadshow will help to ensure that regional cities and businesses feel part of the 2012 experience and provide them with the information about our plans and the opportunities to be part of the world's biggest sporting event."

Olympic gold medallist Steve Backley will be arrive at Wolverhampton's Wulfrun Centre in style on Monday in a dream limousine, to help launch Dream Number - the first draw-based lottery game to raise funds for the 2012 games in London.