Public support for the 2012 Olympics is at its highest level since London was awarded the Games in July 2005 despite the controversy over costs, according to a new poll.

Market research commissioned by London 2012 organisers shows 79% of the public supported the Games

taking place in the capital in 2012 - a 4% rise on September 2005. However only 64% of those polled in Scotland were in favour.

London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe said: "These results are very heartening, and reflect the support we have seen on our travels around the UK.

"The whole of the UK is looking at ways to maximise benefits from the Games, from business opportunities, to tourism to inspiring more people to take up sport."

The research was conducted earlier this month and so came after the announcement by Olympics minister Tessa Jowell that

the cost of building the venues had risen by £900 million to £3.3 billion.

The strongest support for staging the Games in London came from Wales and the west of England (87%) followed the North (80%), the South (79%), the Midlands (78%), London (75%) and Scotland (64%).