Kenneth Clarke visited a community centre in London to see first-hand how areas of the capital are already benefiting from hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.

The Justice Secretary toured Lilian Baylis Old School community centre in Lambeth to see how sport is being used to help transform local communities. 

The centre provides sporting facilities and a wide range of activities including football, boxing and basketball, to help develop social skills such as team work, responsibility and respect for others.

Mr Clarke said:

'The Olympics and Paralympics will generate huge interest and enthusiasm and create jobs and economic growth. The legacy they will leave through initiatives like the Lilian Baylis Old School and the new School Games will benefit children across the country.

'Learning different sports is a great opportunity and teaches skills that young people keep with them for life. This centre offers facilities and activities that help keep children off our streets with nothing to do. Sport teaches discipline, team work and good sportsmanship - qualities that should be encouraged.'

The Justice Secretary also attended a cabinet meeting at the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, chaired by the Prime Minister David Cameron to mark 200 days until the start of the Games.

The meeting focused on how every part of the UK can take full advantage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the unique chance that the country has to sell itself to a massive international audience.