Two Newham attractions have been highlighted as must-sees for tourists in London. The Thames Barrier and the Olympic 2012 site - much of which is in Newham - were named in the top 100 tourist attractions by Visit London, the official visitor organization for the capital.

Cllr Jo Corbett, Newham Council's Executive Member for Culture, said: "We are delighted that Newham has been recognized in this prestigious campaign. We are home to the Thames Barrier - one of London's most iconic structures - and yet that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tourist attractions and ambitious regeneration projects in this borough."

These include a new £4bn metropolitan centre, with more than 100 shops and three big department stores.There will be a new commercial district with landmark towers and leisure facilities. New urban districts will house an extra 11,000 residents and 30,000 workers. It will also house most of the 2012 Olympic athletes.

Cllr Corbett added: "Visit London's recognition clearly shows that Newham is a go-ahead borough, a real place of progress. Stratford International station will open soon and work on Stratford City and the Olympic and Paralympic sites is under way. This regeneration is at the forefront of progressing Newham's priorities - even in today's tough economic climate."