After more than two weeks of sporting action the London Olympics has come to a close.

Fireworks lit up the Olympic Park in east London as the torch was extinguished during the closing ceremony.

The farewell celebrated the best of British music and fashion, with appearances from The Who, Queen and The Spice Girls.

While thousands left the Olympic stadium for the last time, the party atmosphere appeared to leave a legacy.

SOUNDBITE: SPORTS FAN, JOHN BURLEY, SAYING (English):

"Last year was (the London) riots, this year was just a riot. Tonight was absolutely brilliant, tonight you saw a different kind of flame, it was organised, it was enlightening."

SOUNDBITE: SPECTATOR AT CLOSING CEREMONY SUE, SAYING (English):

"We really engaged (with the Olympics) when the torch came. And then we just all got sucked into it, and couldn't wait to come down. It was absolutely brilliant, absolutely superb. We're just overwhelmed by all the volunteers, the organisation, everything's been stunning - thanks, thanks, thanks."

The United States came top of the Olympic table with 46 gold medals.

In third place, Great Britain scored their best result for 104 years, winning 29 golds.

The baton has now been passed to Rio de Janeiro, which will host the Games in 2016.