Across the country, bells have rung out to mark the official start of the 2012 Olympics.

For three minutes church bells chimed, and even Big Ben 'bonged', to celebratethe first day of the London Games.

The Olympic torch is now in its final stages of its 70 day - 8-thousand mile journey.

It's headed up the River Thames - on the Royal Barge - towards the Olympic Stadium.

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It's thought tonight's Opening Ceremony will attract ONE BILLION viewers worldwide.

We still don't know who will light the flame in the stadium, but Roger Bannister - the first man to run the four minute mile - is the favourite.