OLYMPIC teams could bring hundreds of millions of pounds to York and North Yorkshire if London wins its bid to host the 2012 games.

Tourism chiefs believe the region could enjoy the success seen by the Gold Coast during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, with teams training and acclimatising out of the capital, months before the event.

To support London's bid, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward projected the bid's logo on to York Minster last night.

Yorkshire Forward chairmanTerry Hodgkinson said Yorkshire could see £600 million of investment if the bid was successful, with the region's sporting facilities brought up to Olympic standard and the creation of training camps.

money would be spent to improve the sports facilities at the University of York, and additional revenue could be generated by tourism.

Mr Hodgkinson said money should be spent nurturing future Olympic champions in York and North Yorkshire.

"If there is a young boy or girl, currently studying in a York school, who could be a gold medal winner in 2012, then they need to train," he said. "They could be our Olympic champion. Parents need to engage with sport and encourage their children to participate.

"It's not just about money, it's about entering into the spirit across the nation. That's the good thing about sport, it unites the nation, and that's what I believe it will do if we win this bid."

Sport and Tourism Minister Richard Caborn said the campaign of support was timed to coincide with the visit by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) to inspect London's facilities today.

Mr Caborn said: "The Olympic Games would create a boom across the entire UK if London succeeds. I know first-hand just how important it is that the regions show their support during the IOC's visit, as this will be taken into account when the committee makes its final decision.

"York Minster is a truly fantastic example of Gothic architecture that is illuminating the region's support."

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, February 15, 2005