RAF helps with Olympic security

The Awacs are being deployed as part of security measures

Two RAF aircraft will be playing their own special role in the Greek Olympic Games, which open on Friday.

The two Awacs, normally based at RAF Waddington, have been deployed to the Mediterranean as part of large-scale anti-terrorist measures.

The Boeing Sentry aircraft, which have sophisticated detection and surveillance systems, are flying as part of the NATO force.

Their job will be to act as back up for normal civil systems.

The two aircraft and their crews will be flying out of established NATO bases in Italy and will provide 24-hour anti-terrorist coverage throughout the games.

Their job will be made more difficult by the large number of civilian holiday flights in the area.