Paula Radcliffe has labelled the decision to double the budget for the London 2012 opening and closing ceremonies as ‘frivolous’.

The Government yesterday announced an extra £41m of public money is to be put into the ceremonies.

Northwich-born Radcliffe spoke after being selected as one of three marathon runners for Team GB for the Olympics next year, said: “I think it is a little bit frivolous to throw a lot at it given the fact we are in a ­recession.

“The money could be thrown at other areas such as grass-roots sports.

“The Games are costing quite a bit as it is and it would be better off spent in ways which would give more back long term.”

Radcliffe will be competing at her fifth consecutive Olympics in London next year but admitted she had yet to attend an opening ceremony for a Games.

“I’ve always been in team holding camps,” she added.

Olympics minister Hugh Robertson described the extra funding as an investment to attract business and tourism to the country.

Radcliffe became only the third British track and field athlete to be selected for five Olympics after her place in Team GB for London 2012 was confirmed yesterday.

The 37-year-old, has been selected for the marathon along with Scott Overall and Mara Yamauchi.

Radcliffe, who is yet to win a medal at the Olympics – her best finish is fourth in the 10,000m at Sydney in 2000 – said: “To represent your country at a home Olympics is something special and I’m over the moon to be selected for Team GB.

“I was pleased to get the qualifying time in Berlin earlier this year and my sole focus is getting in the right shape for London. I’m just concentrating on being fully prepared for next year.”

Radcliffe joins javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson and race walker Chris Maddocks as the third British athletics competitor to be selected for five Olympics. Tweet