With just 18 months to go to the London 2012 Games, England Ashes hero Alastair Cook and triple jump champion Phillips Idowu today encouraged the public to sign up to register their interest in tickets at www.tickets.london2012.com

Triple jump champion Phillips IdowuFollowing a tour of the Olympic Park, Alastair said: 'London 2012 will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Olympic Games is the biggest sporting event in the world and whether you're an athlete or a fan you don't want to miss out. It's really important that people sign up for tickets - you won't get this chance again so go online today and register.

'Having great support behind you makes a big difference, I've experienced it myself in England as well as with the Barmy Army abroad and it really spurs you on. Having the stands packed full of British fans will hopefully inspire Team GB.'

Phillips said: 'I'm from East London so it's literally my home Games. It's the perfect opportunity to win that gold medal and I hope people from across the country will sign up to come cheer on my teammates and I.'

Tickets go on sale on 15 March for six weeks, but signing up beforehand will ensure you're in the front row for information.