John Lewis has defended its decision to charge shoppers to view the Olympic Park from its Westfield Stratford City store.

The third floor viewpoint offers a stunning look at all the goings on during the Games - and has proved popular.

So the company now charges adults �2 to enter a viewing gallery at its official London 2012 shop, with the profits split between three charities.

Under 16s go in for free.

Westfield shopper Gaile Walters, who visited the store, said: “One would think the foot traffic would be benefit enough? Perhaps John Lewis could make it plain (that they are donating to charity)?”

A spokesman said the decision was made to separate regular shoppers from those who came to simply take in the view.

He said: “This is something we’ve introduced from a need to manage the crowds.

“The net profit from our London 2012 shop in Stratford goes back to London 2012, and any profit taken from customers paying to visit the viewing gallery will be donated to local charities.”

The beneficiaries are East Potential, part of the East Thames Housing Association, homeless charity Cardboard Citizens, and The Panathlon Challenge.