2012 London Olympics archery to be staged at Lord's

More than 100 competitors will take part in the archery event

Plans to hold the 2012 Olympics archery event at the Lord's cricket ground have won planning permission.

Archers will shoot over "the square" against the backdrop of the pavilion at Lord's, which is often dubbed the home of cricket.

Temporary seating will be built allowing up to 5,000 spectators to attend, with organisers promising that they will be close to the action.

London Olympics chairman Lord Coe said he was delighted with the outcome.

Lord Coe said: "I am delighted that we have obtained permission to stage the Olympic archery at Lord's in 2012 and would like to thank Westminster City Council for its support.

"Lord's will be a spectacular venue for hosting the Games in 2012 and the Olympic Archery will be an exciting competition for both spectators and athletes."

Councillor Alastair Moss, Westminster City Council's planning committee chairman, said: "Lord's is a word-class sporting venue and will be ideal for hosting the archery event in 2012."

The event will run from 27 July to 3 August, with 128 competitors involved.