Special coin to commemorate Games role

More than 18,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen have been part of the operation, many of them drafted in at late notice when G4S failed to provide sufficient staff.

All of them will receive the coin – the design of which is still being worked on – following the end of the Paralympic Games in September.

Downing Street said consideration was also being given to extending the award of the commemorative coin to others, including the fire brigade and ambulance service.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “These people not only gave up their time, but brought a phenomenal energy and passion to the streets and to Olympic venues up and down the country.

“I am delighted to be giving a commemorative coin to everyone who helped to deliver the biggest peacetime security operation this country has ever seen.