Virgin Atlantic has become an official sponsor of London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics, backing the campaign to the tune of £1 million.

The Crawley-based company will put its fierce rivalry with British Airways on the back burner as the two airlines join forces on the bid.

Chairman Sir Richard Branson said: "You'd normally expect to see us competing ferociously with BA - and normally you'd be right - but this is one issue on which we both see eye to eye.

"Britain is long overdue the honour of hosting the biggest sporting event and London's bid to host the 2012 Games is the best chance we've had in my lifetime."

London is now unique among the cities bidding to host the 2012 Olympics Games and Paralympic Games in that it has the full support of two international airlines.

Sir Richard said: "The support of British business is vital to this and we're proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with BA on this issue. For once, we've put competition with each other to one side to put London, and Britain, first."

Virgin will mount a £1 million campaign for the 2012 bid, which will include Press and poster advertisements, promotions in the airline's Clubhouses and in-flight entertainment.

The airline will also be removing its "No Way BA/AA" slogans on its aircraft, part of its campaign against BA's proposed merger with American Airlines.

Sir Richard said he was "willing to make the sacrifice" and replace them with banners supporting London 2012 like Back the Bid and Leap for London.

Virgin's activities will focus on the period leading up to the submission of the bid in November and the official International Olympic Committee inspection visit to London next spring.

The final decision on which city will host the 2012 Olympic Games will be made on July 6 next year.

If London wins the bid, it could lead to a huge boost for the Sussex economy, with millions flooding in from tourism.

A £48.5 million arena at the Black Rock site in Brighton has been backed by the British Olympic Association to house an international ice rink.

Crawley Borough Council wants to replace the existing leisure centre in Haslett Avenue with a £37 million world-class arena on the Thomas Bennett College campus in Ashdown Drive.

It is hoped that having such facilities close to London could help the capital's bid for the 2012 Games.

Tuesday July 27, 2004