The DCMS has launched a £40m fund to promote the arts and sport to young people and communities in the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Legacy Trust UK aims to support cultural, artistic, educational and sporting activities nationwide.

Olympics minister Tessa Jowell said: “Legacy Trust UK will give out £40m to cultural, artistic, educational and sporting activities that celebrate the 2012 Games.

“Some will be national projects, like the UK School Games. Others will be local, with each region and nation deciding what works best for them. But all will use 2012 as a catalyst to improve lives around the country."

Culture secretary James Purnell added: “The Trust will also help us achieve our ambition of using the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire a generation of young people to learn about and get involved in their cultural heritage.”