MORE than 200 officers from West Mercia Police will be helping to ensure the Olympic Games run smoothly this summer.

The force is working with other constabularies to help staff the London 2012 Games for 62 days between Monday, June 4, and Sunday, September 16.

But assurances have been made that policing will continue across the force area during this time and measures such as restricting annual leave, postponing non-essential training and using special constables and volunteers will help boost staff levels.

Of West Mercia’s 2,200 officers, 239 will be involved in keeping the games safe and secure, with deployment ranging from a maximum of 121 officers on some days to as low as only two officers on others.

While the majority will be general beat officers, West Mercia will also be lending its specialist public order unit, dog unit, firearms officers, protection officers, marine skilled officers and motorcycle escort officers to assist.

Final planning for their deployments is still under way, but most West Mercia officers will support the work of the Metropolitan Police and Dorset Police constabularies.

The additional help is being funded through £600 million made available under the Olympic Security Budget, allowing forces to backfill those officers sent to the games without footing the bill.