More than half of British youngsters are not interested in next year's London 2012 Olympics, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 youngsters, carried out in support of the Ambition AXA Awards, has shown that organisers Locog have work to do to enthuse those aged between 11 and 18.

Their statistics show that 51 per-cent are 'not bothered' or 'didn't care at all' about next year's showpiece. Only 12 percent - less than one in eight - describe themselves as 'very excited'.

When London won the right to stage the Games, the government committed to get two million youngsters more involved in sport - although this pledge was subsequently downgraded and then became an 'aspiration'.

According to research one in four of those surveyed said that next year's Olympics wanted them to participate, although this rises to 37 percent among those living in the capital and 33 percent for those aged between 11 and 13.

Asked what sport they'd be more interested in taking up, archery came out a clear winner with 27 percent, followed by swimming, athletics, badminton, football, basketball and shooting.

The Olympic Games plays a crucial role in introducing a new generation to sport," said Amy Williams, who won skeleton gold at last year's Winter Olympics and is judge for the Ambition AXA Awards.

"Its not only the buzz around hosting such a world event that can inspire people, but seeing the range thats out there. They can watch someone perform brilliantly at a sport theyd perhaps never come across before, and feel inspired to give it a go you never know what can come from it.

"Wouldnt it be great to think that these Games could inspire someone to try out a sport such as archery for the first time, and for that youngster to then blossom into an Olympic champion?"