Blair believes a London Games would benefit the entire nation

"I am determined to do all I can to bring the Games to the United Kingdom," he said.

"I visited Athens for the 2004 Games not only to support our athletes but to understand better the impact hosting can have on a city and a nation.

"I returned convinced that hosting a Games could bring unparalleled social and economic benefits to the UK."

The Prime Minister made his plea in a letter to delegates at a conference which will be held in London on Monday to outline the benefits of hosting the Olympics.

Bid leader Sebastian Coe, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave will be among the speakers.

This government believes a London Olympics is a prize worth fighting for Prime Minister Tony Blair

London is competing against Paris, New York, Madrid and Moscow for 2012 hosting rights, with the International Olympic Committee set to make its decision on 6 July.

The Prime Minister will not be able to attend the final vote at the IOC congress in Singapore as he will be hosting the G8 summit.

But he said: "The economic benefits are clear.

"An Olympic Games hosted in London would create significant opportunities for companies up and down the UK in sectors as diverse as construction, tourism, merchandise, catering, design and IT.

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"Training the workforce to meet those opportunities will reap benefits in years to come, particularly as UK companies develop their own Olympic experience that can be exported across the globe after 2012.

"The cultural and social benefits are also exciting. We would be welcoming the world to this country during an Olympic Games.

"The creation of a huge volunteer movement to support the Games will provide working opportunities and training for thousands.

"Athletes and their families, the media and the thousands of travelling fans will develop new international links with individuals and communities across the UK through hosting teams, visitors and observers in the months running up to the Games themselves.