The Bid to bring the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to London is enjoying unprecedented support, as the number of registered supporters soars to 500,000.

Paul Seales, 33, of Benfleet, Essex, an avid footballer, became the 500,000th person to register their support during a London 2012 Roadshow at Bluewater shopping centre, Kent.

London 2012 promotional teams were out at Bluewater shopping centre over the weekend, dressed in eye-catching sports gear, encouraging shoppers to throw their support behind the Bid. The move is all part of a week-long Roadshow which sees promotional teams out on the streets all over London encouraging people to Back the Bid. There are other ways to back the bid include logging on to london2012.com and texting LONDON to 82012.

The Roadshow takes place in the week leading up to the visit to London of an Evaluation Commission from the International Olympic Committee. The Commission is reviewing London’s plans to host the Games in 2012.

Promotional teams are visiting key stations, London markets such as Borough market and Camden market, and boroughs all over London.

The Bid’s 500,000th supporter, Paul Seales, said: ‘I’m thrilled that London is in the running to host the 2012 Olympic Games. We already have a great history of sporting achievements and we deserve the right to bring the Games to London. It will give us the chance to show what we can achieve.’

Mr Seales is a City IT analyst with a passion for sport; he is an Arsenal season ticket holder, he plays centre back for Talwin Football Club and has won over 30 trophies. He is also a keen sprinter and decathlon fan, and his favourite Olympian is Daley Thompson. Paul said he would be keen to be a volunteer to help stage the Games if London wins.

He has been invited to visit the Bid headquarters in Canary Wharf to meet Bid Chairman Sebastian Coe.

Sebastian Coe said: ‘I am delighted with the level of support the Bid has. People around the country have taken this Bid to their hearts. Together we can win, and I am looking forward to meeting our 500,000th supporter. The more registered supporters the bid can show the easier it is to demonstrate to the International Olympic Committee the UK’s support and passion to host the Games in 2012.’

For further information contact the London 2012 Press Office on 020 7093 5100