Sebastian Coe, chairman of the 2012 Olympic organising committee, has backed London to follow the lead of Beijing and deliver a "spectacular" games.

With the Paralympics due to close Wednesday, Lord Coe, a two-time 1,500m gold medallist in 1980 and 1984, feels that the competitive spirit of everyone involved in the project is such that London could even surpass the achievements of the Chinese capital.

“It is a massive responsibility," he said. “We don't find it daunting. I think that I can only relate it to sitting in a stadium when I was a competitor watching an outstanding performance in my own event. I didn't feel cowed by it. I went out and wanted to emulate it or even do better.

“Beijing has delivered a spectacular games and we will also deliver a spectacular games.”

Media and athletes worldwide hailed China’s performance as host with their volunteer program proving particularly successful in helping visitors feel at home. Over 70.000 people volunteered to assist with the Olympic and a further 30,000 gave up their time for the Paralympics.

Coe is confident that London, who pioneered the use of volunteers at the 1948 games, will be able to match the efforts of their Chinese counterparts in 2012.

He added: “I have absolutely no doubt that we will deliver a first-rate volunteer program with all the relevant linguistic and social skills that are necessary to make our games a great games.”

“We have more people involved in volunteer organizations in the length and breadth of the UK.

“Sport — any number of activities — would be unrecognizable but for the quality of the legion of volunteers.”