London Olympic torch lit in Greece

The flame which will be used for the London 2012 torch relay and Olympic Games has been lit.

It was lit by the sun's rays during a ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece, kicking off the relay for the summer's Games.

The torch's journey will eventually culminate with the lighting of the Olympic stadium's cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Games on July 27.

An actress playing a high priestess lit the torch with the help of a parabolic mirror as London became the only city ever to receive the flame twice, having also hosted the Games back in 1948.

The flame flies to Britain on 18 May for a 70-day relay around the UK.

The lighting ceremony took place in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera, next to the ancient stadium.

London 2012 chairman Seb Coe told the BBC: "Today is the rallying call to the athletes - the best athletes of their generation - to come to London. That in itself is a big moment because it's the biggest sporting event in the calendar.

Image: Getty