Britain's greatest Olympian, five times Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, yesterday gave his personal backing to the Foreign Office's See Britain through my eyes campaign. 

The launch marks 1,000 days until the London Games in 2012, and calls on Embassies across the globe to use those days to showcase the best of modern Britain.  

Speaking to staff around the world via a video link Sir Steve said:

"The Olympics coming to London will provide a unique vehicle to tell our own story. I'm so proud to be British. To represent your country overseas is a great honour, whether you're an athlete or a diplomat. So grab this opportunity with both hands and inspire others to do the same.

Together we will create something really unique and special. With London 2012 we have the platform to publicise ourselves as truly a great nation. It's down to us."

Earlier the audience of staff, including colleagues from the Foreign Office's Partners UKTI, the British Council and See Britain, had heard the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, say:

"I hope that this initiative to take the Olympics out of Britain, to showcase Britain, and to invite the world to "See Britain through my eyes", is going to be one of the most exciting things that we're able to do over the next few years".

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