London Olympic rings unveiled

Olympic gold medal hope Jessica Ennis signed autographs and posed for photographs with fans in her home city today and told them: "I hope I can do you proud."

Ennis was joined for a send-off event in Sheffield city centre by dozens of athletes who hope to be heading for the Olympics or Paralympics.

All were either from the city or trained in the city.

The champion heptathlete took to the stage with the other athletes in the city's Peace Gardens.

Ennis told the crowd: "I'm excited. I just can't believe how quick it's come round.

"To be here in Sheffield with some amazing athletes from the city, it's great."

"Training's going good. I'm feeling in good shape. I'm positive. I'm happy with the position I'm in right now and looking forward to the Games beginning."

With 30 days to go until the opening of the London 2012 Games, ITV News takes a look at how preparations at the Olympic Park are coming together.

Lord Coe said he is "confident" London is ready for the 2012 Olympic Games but added that with 30 days until they begin "we still have work to do".

London Mayor Boris Johnson vowed that London transport will "cope very well" during the Olympic Games.

Speaking on a boat on the River Thames after the Olympic rings were lowered into place on Tower Bridge, Mr Johnson said: "I'm convinced that we have done everything that we can.

"The venues are ready, they are under budget, the Park is looking fantastic already, the policing situation is great, you've got all the security in place, the transport network has had masses of investment and I know that it's going to cope very well."

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe and mayor Boris Johnson were among the VIPs who watched as the rings - 25 metres wide and 11.5 metres tall - were lowered into place on the central London landmark on the River Thames.

The rings, which weigh three tonnes, cost £259,817 to produce and installing them is estimated to have cost £53,000.

All costs have been met from the £32 million Look and Celebration budget, which will be used to back free cultural events across London.

• McDonald's will be open for 29 days during the Olympics and Paralympics and serve will serve 1.75 million meals.
• At their busiest periods they are expecting to serve around 1,200 customers an hour .
  

• There is seating for 1,500 at the site, including 70 seats on a second floor balcony with a scenic view of the Olympic Stadium.
  
• August 3, when the athletics plus aquatics competitions are both under way, has been earmarked as the busiest day.
  

• 2,000 staff will work six-hour shifts with a 45 minute break. There will be about 200 staff on shift at a time.
  
• The restaurant is 3,000 square metres in size and two-storeys.

McDonald's has unveiled its flagship restaurant on the London 2012 Olympic Park. The two-storey restaurant is 3,000 square metres in size and has a bird's eye view over the nearby Olympic Stadium.