The Press Association has been appointed as the host national news agency for by the 2012 Games by the International Olympic Committee.

PA said the announcement guarantees the agency access in greater numbers than ever before to the Games.

Ian Campbell, managing director of Press Association Sport, said: “We are immensely honoured by our appointment as the host national news agency of the world’s biggest sporting event.

“The Press Association has unrivalled regional coverage and unique relationships with editors and sports editors within the regional press.

“Our aim as the host national news agency is to ensure the inspiring stories from all aspects of the Olympic Games are covered to their fullest advantage and that London 2012 has a UK news service of which to be proud.”

Scott Dougal, Olympics editor at Press Association Sport, added: “We take this responsibility very seriously and relish the opportunity to excel at our home Olympic Games.

“We promise comprehensive coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games according to our guiding principles of fast, fair and accurate reporting.”

Kevan Gosper, IOC vice-president and chairman of the IOC Press Commission, said: “With the Press Association’s long history of meeting the needs of the British media and their commitment to covering the Olympic movement, I am delighted to confirm their appointment as host national news agency for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“The primary role of the Press Association as the host national news agency is to guarantee that UK athletes competing at the Games receive comprehensive media coverage in their own country.”