Ken Livingstone has insisted London is one of the safest capitals in the world after a US school cancelled a visit because of safety fears.

Lee County School board, in Florida, snubbed an invitation for the Fort Myers High band to take part in London's New Year's Day Parade next year because it was worried about terrorism in the wake of the July bombings.

The move has sparked a major row in the US with Dan Kirkby, communications director for the parade, pointing out that Fort Myers' murder, rape and violent crime rates were higher than London's.

He added: "The entire area is prone to catastrophic hurricanes and other severe weather." He said he expected outrage in the UK when it was revealed that Americans were fearful of spending time in London.

Parade organisers tried to smooth over the row by inviting the US officials involved on a free trip to London to discuss security but they have declined the offer.

This week Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said visitors had nothing to fear from visiting the capital.

He said: "London is in fact one of the safest cities in the world. US citizens are among the most frequent visitors to London, which is a major international destination for businesses and tourism and people will continue to welcome the people of Florida to our city."