Wait until midnight to discover fate of bid for Olympics ticket

Almost two million people face a wait until midnight to find out if they will get their hands on Olympic tickets.

But thousands of families will have to wait for up to another three weeks to discover which 2012 tickets they have successfully purchased.

Gavin Marshall, 40, a business consultant from Southfields, had £53 debited after applying for tickets costing just under £200.

The fee is likely to be £47 for the ticket, one adult and a child, plus £6 for postage and packing.

Mr Marshall said: "The wait has been torturous and it's taken the shine off it a bit."
Rachel Corrigan, of Merton, applied with her family for more than £1,200 of tickets. The total debited from her account was £186. Ms Corrigan, a 27-year-old PE teacher, said: "I don't mind which events I get because sport is my life and am looking forward to them all, it's just the weeks of not knowing that is frustrating."

A London 2012 spokeswoman said: "A second round sales process will take place in June/July. Applicants who are unsuccessful in the first round will be given priority in the second round and there will be lots of great tickets available."

High streets, town halls and public squares are to be decorated in Olympic colours thanks to a City Hall grant. Each London borough will receive a £50,000 grant to pay for the flags, banners and bunting.