The Rings have been mown into the grass by six of The Royal Park's shire horses and can be seen from the air, as Richmond Park lies under the flight path of Heathrow Airport.

They will be maintained by two of the horses, Jim and Murdoch, who regularly cut road side verges in Richmond Park and have been used to maintain the park for many years.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: 'The Olympic Rings are an iconic symbol, inspiring athletes and uniting people around the world. To athletes they represent the culmination of thousands of hours of training and reaching the highest level in sport. These Rings will excite and inspire visitors coming to London.'

Ready to welcome the world

Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.

Part of the Olympic Cycling Road Race route will pass through Richmond Park, with a total of 11 Olympic and Paralympic events taking place across six Royal Parks in London during the Games.