Beijing Olympics begin with fireworks

China opened the Olympics on Friday with a burst of fireworks at a spectacular ceremony.

The ceremony celebrated ancient Chinese history and aimed to draw a line under months of political controversy.

An army of 2,008 drummers pounded out the countdown to the Games. Around 80 world leaders, including US President George W Bush, joined 91,000 excited spectators in the majestic Bird's Nest stadium for the opening show.