During his tour of the London 2012 Olympic mountain bike venue, Pickles was given a demonstration by elite British rider Grant Ferguson (pictured centre) who showed him the main technical features of the course.

Pickles was accompanied by Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games Stephen Castle (pictured fourth from left), who guided the Communities Secretary through the history and development of the site.

"I was delighted to welcome Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles to our Olympic mountain bike venue as well as our Olympic projects across south Essex," said Castle.

"It was fantastic to demonstrate how the Olympic spirit is alive and well in Essex and show him how we plan to make the most of the Games coming to Essex, whilst creating a lasting legacy for the county."

On leaving Hadleigh, Pickles and Castle visited John Anthony Signs, the local design and manufacture company that won the contract with London 2012 to provide signage around the Olympic Park in Stratford.

Pickles made his final stop in Essex at Basildon Sporting Village to see how the Games have inspired a new world class sporting facility for the county.

The £38 million ($61 million/€46 million) Basildon Sporting Village is an official London 2012 training facility which the Japanese swimming team have selected as their training base.


"We are on track for a great Games in 2012," said Pickles following the conclusion of the tour.

"It's going to be an amazing chance to showcase to the world the best of what Britain and Essex has to offer.

"The Olympic torch will go through Chelmsford; Hadleigh will host the mountain biking competition and Basildon's training village is set to become a home away from home for many athletes.

"Essex already has seen Olympic success through home-grown heroes like Sally Gunnell and Dean Macey.

"I hope these Games will inspire more young people to become Essex ambassadors or get involved in sport and help leave a lasting legacy for generations to come"

Pickles has strong connections with Essex as the Conservative Politician has been the Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar in the county since 1992.

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