Thousands of people who took part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as volunteers have been recognised with a formal qualification created specifically for them.

The qualification for the 2012 Games Makers was created and funded by fast food chain McDonald's to help prepare and recognise volunteers with quality training before, during and after the games.

Almost 3,000 people - three times more than expected - have completed the level two City & Guilds award in the principles of customer service, directly resulting from their involvement in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In order to achieve the qualification, games makers completed an online learning module and sat an exam.

"The games makers showed Britain how the high combination of high quality training, a strong work ethic and a desire to do the best job possible can lift British hospitality to a world-class standard," said British Olympic Association chair, Lord Coe. "Following their show stealing performance during London 2012, it's fantastic to see thousands of games makers going a step further and formalising their skills with the national qualification that McDonald's created and funded."