London 2012 is working with the students to design the podia where athletes will receive their medals, costumes, flower holders and trays which will carry the medals and flowers.

Around 250 trays and 6,000 flower holders will be used in the 770 victory ceremonies which will take place in 29 different venues across the UK and be watched by thousands of spectators in venues and a global television audience.

Students will work in collaboration with industry producers involved in each element and will see their designs through to fruition.

Next, the London 2012 official clothing and homeware supplier, will work with the students on their designs to produce all the costumes for the victory ceremonies, including presenter escorts, athlete escorts and medal and flower bearers.

London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton said: "We're delighted to be working with one of the world's best postgraduate art and design schools to enable these students to take up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"We look forward to seeing their proposals, then teaming them up with industry professionals to realise their designs, which will be seen by a global audience at the greatest show on earth."

Dr Paul Thompson, rector of the RCA, said: "It is a great honour that LOCOG are giving Royal College of Art postgraduate students the opportunity to contribute to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"With the enormous international appeal of the Games, this is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase British design education to a worldwide audience."

Christos Angelides, group product director for Next, said: "We are excited to be working with the Royal College of Art to produce the victory ceremony costumes and look forward to helping to make the victory ceremony attendants look great at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies."


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