The drama was played out in true 007 style on the River Thames yesterday as the first copies of Devil May Care were delivered by speedboat to author Sebastian Faulks aboard the destroyer HMS Exeter.

The ship, moored alongside HMS Belfast outside the Daily Express offices near London’s Tower Bridge, is the vessel on which Bond is said to have served as an intelligence officer.

The novel was written by Faulks with the blessing of the family of Bond creator Ian Fleming to mark the centenary of his birth.

Two helicopters also escorted the books, hovering above just in case any arch enemies such as baddie  Blofeld should arrive on the scene.

Some of the top secret books will be auctioned for charity.