A HARROW journalist has designed a football themed 50p piece for the London 2012 Olympics.

Sports fan Neil Wolfson, 26, won a nationwide competition run by the Royal Mint, basing his coin on a visual explanation of the offside rule.

He said: “The offside rule is always a talking point so I wanted to create something original to reflect that. It’s a case of lateral thinking, so to speak.

“It will be interesting to see how the design looks in relief and I hope it provokes discussion.”

Dave Knight, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coin, said: “Every one of the winners is making history.

“Their coins will become treasured mementos of the biggest sporting event to happen on UK shores for over half a century and we hope will encourage a new generation of collectors.

“Every coin captures the spirit, excitement and passion of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In isolation each is a work of art, together they are an inspirational portrait of a sporting phenomenon.

“The Royal Mint is immensely proud to be part of London 2012 and we’re thrilled that this competition has enabled the general public to play a part too.”