Anger at 'broken' pledge to children over Games role

Parents today accused Olympics bosses of going back on a pledge made to children to include them in one of the major ceremonies.

More than 700 youngsters had their hopes raised of a role in the opening or closing ceremonies as part of the London 2012 Children's Promise scheme launched in 2004.

But their parents now say they have been "let down" after organisers appeared to back-track, saying the children would now only be allowed to take place in regional torch relay events.

Bosses now say the torch relay is the fairest way of involving hundreds of youngsters. Miguel Fenton, 37, from Putney, said his six-year-old son Sam was "devastated" after being told he would no longer have a chance of taking part in a major ceremony.

The marketing manager said: "Sam had been absolutely enthralled at the prospect and told all his friends. The 'promise' has essentially been broken."

A Locog spokeswoman said: "We have had positive feedback from lots of the parents, who are delighted the children will play a role in a significant Torch Relay Ceremony around the UK."