The organisers of the Bilderberg Meeting will help cover the cost of policing their upcoming meeting in The Grove.

The secretive summit in the Watford hotel from June 6 to June 9 will see around 140 of the world’s most influential figures including leading politicians, captains of industry and respected academics descend on the Hempstead Road hotel.

Hertfordshire Constabulary declined to provide a figure for either the total cost of policing the event - which is also expected to attract hundreds of demonstrators - or the contribution from the Bilderberg Group.

Funding will also be sought from other sources, and representatives from the force are currently in talks with the Home Office.

However, a spokesman confirmed the organisers had appointed a private security firm to work inside the venue while police will keep the peace outside.

A police spokesman said: "Hertfordshire Constabulary has a duty to prevent crime, maintain the Queen’s Peace, protect the public and prevent damage to property.

"The organisers of the event are paying for a private security firm who will be providing security at the venue. "In addition, the organisers have agreed to contribute towards policing costs relating to the event.

"As we do not disclose the costs of operations prior to their event, we will not disclose the amounts at this stage."