STUDENTS have designed postcards with a 'wish you were here' message for the 2012 Olympics.

Teenagers from year 12 at Budmouth Technology College created the cards to urge holidaymakers to promote the bid.

Now thousands of postcards in four different designs will be available free to tourists from information centres, attractions and accommodation venues.

The students were commissioned by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to produce designs themed around Weymouth, Portland, the Jurassic Coast and sailing in the area.

Pete Beard, Budmouth course director, said: "Working on the Olympic 'Back the Bid' campaign was an exacting challenge and privilege for the art students at Budmouth Technology College.

"They tackled the brief in different design teams, with such determination, enthusiasm and creative skill, and turned it around in just two weeks.

"They were fantastic. Using a range of digital, graphic design and creative ideas, the students have helped to put Weymouth and Portland firmly at the heart of this important campaign. We are all very proud of them."

The postcards, which were printed by Epic Quality Print in Dorchester, have also been posted to notable campaign figures include the head of the London 2012 bid, Sebastian Coe and Tony Blair.

Budmouth art student Lizzie Newland said: "Working to a professional brief that supports our home town was an enjoyable, high pressured experience. It has given me a good insight into working as a graphic designer."

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council marketing and press officer Jacqui Gisborne said the idea was to highlight to holiday makers the borough's role as the only Olympic venue outside of London.

The International Olympic Committee will release its reports on each of the candidate cities; Madrid, Moscow, Paris and New York, on June 6 and will announce the final decision on July 6.

Ms Gisborne said the people could back the bid by clicking on www.london2012.com or by texting LONDON to 82012.