London takes centre stage as Olympics are handed over

THE symbolic handover of the Olympic flag to London took place tonight during a celebratory closing ceremony in Beijing.

The Beijing Olympics began as they finished, in a spectacular fusion of colour, light, fireworks, music, dance and technology.

London mayor Boris Johnson received the banner from his Beijing counterpart Guo Jinlong, signalling the end of the 2008 Games in China.

Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee president, told the 91,000 people inside the Bird's Nest stadium: "Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.

Thank you to the people of China.

"New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marvelled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.

"These were truly exceptional Games.

"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the 29th
XXIX] Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the 30th XXX] Olympiad."

After the official handover and the national anthem sung by the National Youth Theatre, London 2012's eight-minute slot involving David Beckham, pop icon Leona Lewis and rock star Jimmy Page began.