DISADVANTAGED Greenwich residents have achieved their “personal best” through a training programme which is linked to the 2012 Olympics.

The 122 people who took part in the Personal Best scheme gained a volunteering qualification, work experience and skills to help them get a job.

Stewarding at the Bromley Half Marathon was one of the work experience opportunities available on the scheme.

Each opportunity was designed to mimic some of the skills required to help out at the Olympics because each programme graduate is guaranteed an interview to become a volunteer in 2012.

This scheme is going to be rolled out to Lewisham within the next six months and will eventually help around 7,000 people across the whole of London.

It is run by the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Learning and Skills Council.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "It is great to see the 2012 Games already having such a positive impact on the lives of so many Londoners.

“I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to graduate through Personal Best and I am pleased that Londoners from every borough will now be able to benefit from this important programme.

"It is really encouraging that, on top of those who have found work as a result, many other graduates have decided to continue developing their skills by embarking on further training or volunteering at important major events across the capital.

“It would be and added bonus to see many of those faces who graduate in the coming years helping out as volunteers at the London games."

Anyone interested in the Personal Best scheme should send the LDA an email or call 020 7593 9000.