Olympic flame passed to UK

Under a wet and rainy Greek sky, a ceremonial handover-- British officials receive the Olympic flame before it makes its way to London ahead of the Summer Games.

Princess Anne, and David Beckham were amongst those attending the event.

The flame was brought into the stadium after its long journey from the ancient town of Olympia, birthplace of the first ancient games, where it was lit 10 days ago.

The UK have spent 9.3 billion dollars to host the games-- and some are raising questions over the steep cost.

But Sports Minister Hugh Robertson says it's money well spent.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UK SPORTS MINISTER HUGH ROBERTSON SAYING;

"The benefits we will get from this are very considerable in terms of the opportunity to promote Britain internationally, to drive new trade, to drive tourism, to drive jobs and growth at home, and for those reasons alone quite apart from the fantastic sport, it's been well worth doing."

The flame will leave Athens on Friday and will then travel around Britain for a 70-day torch relay, before the games on July 27.

Julie Noce, Reuters