WHILE many of us could only dream of spending two weeks at the London 2012 Olympics, Milton Abbot resident Glynis MacDonald has done just that – as a volunteer Games Maker at the greatest show on earth.

Glynis, who works for West Devon Borough Council, was one of 70,000 volunteers — called Games Makers —who helped to ensure the Games were a success.

She described the experience as 'overwhelming' as she worked 12-hour shifts at the O2 North Greenwich Arena, where the gymnastics and basketball events were held. And she enjoyed the experience so much, she's planning to learn Portuguese so she can volunteer for the 2016 Olympics in Rio in four years' time.

As well as meeting and greeting people from all over the world, Glynis, who took two weeks' leave to take part in the event, found she spent a lot of time taking photos of families who wanted to have something to remember their Olympic experience by. 

She said: 'Trekking off to London at 6am on a Sunday morning, to stand for hours on end answering the endless questions of the spectators, without the guarantee of seeing any action myself, may have seemed mad to most people. But I can honestly say I felt very privileged.

'I have some very happy memories to tell my two-year-old grandson when he is older. I will definitely try and encourage him to participate in the sporting arena in some form or another.  The experience has also shown me how satisfying it is to be involved in volunteering in the community. It was a real once in a lifetime experience. '

Glynis has some great souvenirs of her own Olympics, including an aluminium relay baton awarded to all volunteers from the London 2012 Organising Committee in recognition of their commitment and hard work.