OLYMPIC OPEN

20:12, it must be time for the Greatest Show On Earth: Red Arrows fly over as Olympic 

Excited Olympics fans are filling the stadium ahead of tonight's Opening Ceremony - as police officers and soldiers filled the streets in the capital's biggest-ever security operation.

As ticketholders took to their seats inside the Stadium, they were greeted by the sight of the imposing Olympic Bell and England's 'Green and Pleasant Land' a giant countryside landscape occupying the centre of the Olympic arena that will form the starting point of ceremony director Danny Boyle's extravaganza.

Scroll down for video

The Red Arrows aerobatic display team fly over the Olympic Stadium at 8:12pm prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games

The Red Arrows fly past as a giant clock countdowns to the start of the Opening Ceremony

Worldwide audience: More than a billion people around the world are expected to watch the historic event

Opening night: The organisers have promised the show will be spectacular

Dignitaries including Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson have arrived in a VIP section that will include heads of state from across the globe.

As performers prepared for the ceremony,  the red Arrows flew overhead from east to west, leaving a spectacular trail of red, white and blue vapour.

The sound of the jet's engines was dwarfed by the cheers of the baying crowd below.

Those lucky enough to secure seats have taken to twitter to keep followers up to date on the comings and goings inside the Olympic Stadium.

High in the sky: An aerial view of the stadium shows the presence the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London

As they enter the stadium, ticketholders are greeted by England's 'Green and Pleasant Land' the starting point of Danny Boyle's Opening Ceremony extravaganza

Animals, including geese take to the stage against a backdrop of artificial clouds and a giant water wheel during the opening ceremony

Performers in costume gather on the field with animals before before the opening ceremony of 

The giant Olympic Bell strikes an imposing figure at the end of the stadium. The bell will ring during the show, marking the start of the Games

Clouds hover overhead as the Olympic Stadium fills with eager ticketholder

Hazard can be Chelsea’s Messi

HAZARD LIGHTS ... Vermaelen believes Eden Hazard will shine in the Premier League

Arsenal centre-back Vermaelen believes Belgian team-mate Eden Hazard has the quality to cause havoc following his £32million transfer from Lille.

Hazard, whose younger brother Thorgan has also joined Chelsea, faces a major battle to justify his massive fee.

Yet Vermaelen is able to give the inside track on the 21-year-old talent because of the number of times they have faced each other in training when on international duty.

Vermaelen, who will skipper Arsenal against Manchester City in Beijing tonight, said: “I only know Eden. I don’t know his brother. I know Eden well from the national team and he’s a really talented player. He has exceptional qualities but it’s not easy to show that every week at a high level.

“He’s been player of the year in France for two years in a row and that says quite a lot and I hope he will do well at Chelsea. I think he will.

“Technically, he is very good. He is quick with the ball. He’s a little bit like the way Messi plays. He’s small with a low centre of gravity and has some good tricks.

“We wanted to give him a free role in the friendly against England (before Euro2012) because he has the talent to do that. You don’t have to give him too many responsibilities.

“Just leave him free to play. Allow him to enjoy the game and then he will be at his best.

“I’m confident he will do well but the Premier League is a high step. Everyone will say that. England is tougher and the tempo is much higher and the quality of defenders is much better. It won’t be easy but he will show his quality to the fans at Chelsea. He will do well, I think.”

Vermaelen, who signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates, is not surprised that fellow Belgian defender Vincent Kompany has penned a six-year deal at Manchester City.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s second game of their Far East tour, Vermaelen said: “There are a lot of Belgian players now in the Premier League and that means we have a lot of talent in the national team.

“Maybe we’re doing something right. Dedication in Belgium is good and the players tend to leave early for other countries. You have to be lucky as well. If these players come through together as one, that generally helps.

“Vincent’s always been a very talented player. When he was 17 he was playing Champions League football for Anderlecht.

“But when he was young, he had some critics. He wasn’t always secure and he was making some mistakes. He is very technical for a defender and he wanted to show this with a few tricks.

“But in the last two or three years he has got this out of his game and has become a world class defender, one of the best in the world. He’s really focused. He’s a real professional and I see this in the national team.

“He works hard for himself and makes sure he’s fit for every game. He’s a leader as well and takes his responsibilities seriously. He’s good for his team.”

Although Arsenal may struggle to match City in the Premier League, Vermaelen, 26, has no regrets over remaining in north London.

He said: “I signed my new contract last year and I’m proud to play for this club. When I was young, I watched Arsenal a lot and you could see the way they played was really attractive.

“I speak to players when I join up with the national team and everybody likes Arsenal, because it’s a fantastic club and that’s why I’m really happy to be here.”