LOTTERY RAISES £150M FOR 2012

With a target of £750 million, Janet Paraskeva, chairman of the Olympic Lottery Distributor, said: "There is a long way to go but we are ahead of schedule."

Dream Number, interactive instant win games and some scratch cards are among the special National Lottery games helping to fund new venues and an Olympic village in east London.

Olympic organising committee chairman Lord Coe said: "London 2012 will be more than just a great summer of sport - it will be leaving a lasting legacy for generations, including building new, state-of-the-art facilities for elite and community use.

"The money raised to date will play an important role in making sure we deliver a legacy that will outlast us all and be enjoyed in 2012 and beyond."

David Higgins, chief executive of the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is building the facilities said: "Lottery funding being ahead of schedule is another important achievement that will help deliver a world-class London 2012 Games and a powerful legacy."