A police officer from Newtown was among the members of Dyfed Powys Police who provided support to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Police officers from the Powys force have been across the Channel to provide mutual aid at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, joining the UK policing support at the games in France, with four officers and a police dog deployed to the eight-week event.

This includes Sergeant Grace Coburn from Newtown, has been working in Versailles during the golf tournaments and said visitors were amazed to see Welsh officers working at the event.

She said: “Heddlu must be trending on Google as a common search, as so many people have walked past us, googled what it means and then come back amazed that we’re from Wales.

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“It’s a great experience, and we are all very thankful to have this opportunity.”

Other officers dispatched to Paris from Dyfed Powys Police include PC Sophie Webber from Haverfordwest, PC Sophie Maliphant from Carmarthen, and explosive detection dog handler PC Mike Barnsley with PD Doug, who have each played their part in the security and engagement operation.

PC Mike Barnsley, who has 11 years of service with Dyfed-Powys, has been based on the outskirts of Paris with his Doug, and has been working with his UK counterparts searching Olympic venues during the games.

Dyfed Powys Police's explosive detection dog handler PC Mike Barnsley with PD Doug at the Paris Olympic Games. (Image: Dyfed Powys Police)

He said: “It’s a privilege to represent Dyfed-Powys while working with other law enforcement agencies from around the world at the Paris 2024 Olympics.”

As many as 35,000 police officers were mobilised each day during the course of the Olympics, reaching a peak during the opening and closing ceremonies when as many as 45,000 were deployed to support the event.

PC Sophie Maliphant added: "I've had a fantastic experience working at the Olympic Games along with two colleagues from Dyfed-Powys.

"We have been fortunate to work alongside the Italian Carabinieri, the Spanish Civil Guard and the Gendarmerie, policing and patrolling the golf course during the tournament.

"I have made some wonderful memories, and will be forever grateful to be a part of the international policing team for the Paris 2024 Olympics."