TWO Gwent soldiers are among the 18,000 military staff playing a key role at the Olympic Games.

Private Sam Griffin, 21, of Risca, of C Company 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh at Tidworth, is working as part of the venue security team at The Mall, where events such as the triathlon and marathon were held.

Pontypool soldier Private Thomas Gregory, 22, of A Company, 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, is also working as part of the venue security team, at Hyde Park where the triathlon and swimming events are being held.

Private Griffin said: “Helping with the security at the Olympics has actually been the biggest and best thing I have done since joining the Army. it has also helped us to come closer together as a unit and we have really bonded as a team.”

Despite working, the former Coleg Gwent student has had the chance to watch weightlifting, table tennis, cycling and beach volleyball, and see the sights of London. He said: “I have seen more of London than ever before since we have been here helping to ensure the safety of the Olympics.

“We have also had a very positive reaction from people. The public have been very good, asking us to take photos of them and they have all told us how much they have loved having us here.”

Private Gregory, a former student who studied countryside management at Usk Agricultural College, joined the Army a year ago.

He said: “I think the work we have been doing for the Olympics has been really important for our public image and I have also enjoyed seeing London, I’ve seen all of the sights. I also saw the triathlon, which was good, and the atmosphere everywhere has just been amazing.”