STORYLINE

London sweltered in high temperatures on Tuesday as the city banished memories of its rain-drenched summer and prepared for the start of the Olympics in three days time.

Hundreds of office workers sunbathed in a park close to Tower Bridge, in sight of the Olympic Rings.

Children danced in fountains beside City Hall.

And in Trafalgar Square, in the shadow of the Olympic countdown clock, visitors kept their cool using whatever water came to hand.

"I think this is going to give a good boost to London, with the Olympics and the lovely weather," enthused Marie Cunningham, an office worker.

But she wasn't taking the sudden onslaught of summer for granted.

"Let's just hope it lasts," she added.

1. Children play in fountains beside City Hall, pan to Tower Bridge

2. Various of children playing in fountains

3. Various of crowds of people relaxing in front of Tower Bridge

4. Hundreds of office workers sitting on steps eating lunch, with Tower of London in background

5. People sunbathing on grass beside Tower Bridge

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Lisa Terry, accountant:

"It's amazing. It's lovely just to have a lunchtime when you're at work to be able to come out , have an hour just sitting here with everybody. It's lovely.

(Question: Is it a surprise?)

"Definitely. I just want it to last a long time."

7. Mid of people relaxing on grass

8. Mid of girl eating ice cream in the park

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Marie Cunningham, London office worker:

"I think this is going to give a good boost to London, with the Olympics and the lovely weather. It's a good start to the Olympics. Fantastic. Let's just hope it lasts."

10. Wide of Trafalgar Square with Olympic countdown clock in foreground

11. People in front of fountain

12. Boy dips hands into fountain and pours water over his face

13. Mid of Olympic clock

14. Tight of Olympic clock with sun behind it