EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has met with London 2012 officials to discuss the benefits available to people in the district from the Olympic Games.

Mrs Laing also spoke with Olympic Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards at the meeting which discussed how businesses and residents alike can profit from the forthcoming games.

The district is already set to benefit from the Olympic canoe slalom course, which is being built on the Showground site bordering Waltham Abbey.

In addition, 73 business across the east of England have won Olympic-related contracts and 66 sporting facilities have signed up as pre-games training camps.

Mrs Laing said: "I am determined that we in Epping Forest are at the heart of the 2012 Olympic Games. As well as a unique chance to show off our great area I want to ensure a lasting positive legacy locally.

“It is vital that these Games offer something for everyone in the area, from local businesses to our children who dream of being the next sporting hero, and I am committed to working with organisers to ensure this.”

To find out more about Olympic opportunities visit london2012.com.