Sir Roger Bannister - the first person to run a sub four-minute mile - returned to his spiritual home in Oxford to launch a new coin celebrating the achievement half a century ago.

Sir Roger with the coin at Iffley Road track

Sir Roger, now 74, went back to the Iffley Road running track where he ran into the history books on May 6, 1954. The Royal Mint's new 50p piece commemorates his famous achievement in a striking design which shows his stride, symbolising his strength and determination in setting a new record of 3mins 59.4 secs. In the background is a stopwatch, the marker of time that confirmed his place in history.

Sir Roger and his wife Moyra returned to the city in 1985 when he became Master of Pembroke College, and now live in Bardwell Road, north Oxford. The retired neurologist will receive the rare honour of the Freedom of the City in May, at a special ceremony at Oxford Town Hall as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of his record-breaking run.

On May 6, he will return to the Oxford University sports ground with guests including Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett, to see if runners from the British Milers' Club can match his original time.

Asked about his memories of that day at the Iffley Road track, Sir Roger was fulsome in his praise of the efforts made by his friends Chris Brasher, who died last year, and Christopher Chattaway, who set the pace for him.

He said: "I do remember it quite vividly, and I know my pace-makers helped me make it possible on a day that was far from ideal.

"I was not certain I'd been able to do it until the announcement came a few minutes later.

"It gives me contact with people, and people often come up and tell me that they remember being there on the day, which makes me wonder sometimes, as there weren't all that many there!

"I'm so glad that the new 50p coin marks my achievement, but honours both sport as a whole, and running in particular."