Local hero and Beijing hand-cycling gold medallist Rachel Morris officially opened the event which saw learners from the Personal Best programme celebrated their graduation.

The course, which has recently received the prestigious London 2012 Inspire Mark, helps individuals gain a qualification through classes and one-to-one support, as well as connecting learners with their communities through voluntary work experience. The course graduates are guaranteed to be interviewed for a volunteering role at the 2012 Games.

Lizzie Kemp, Business Development Coordinator for Sussex Downs College, said: "In this difficult economic climate, it is vital to do everything possible to help people get the skills they need to find work. This is why Personal Best is an excellent example of what can be done. It builds up the experience and confidence while also offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the London Games in 2012.

"For example, the work we have done in Sheerwater is being used as a case study of best practice by the UK-wide Legacy Team, part of the Government Olympic Executive; we want to mirror this success in Guildford.

The course is being run in conjunction with Surrey County Council and Denise Saliagopoulos, Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games, said: “We wholeheartedly support all this positive work. The Paralympic Games in 2012 will be a celebration of the peak of human achievement and are only 1,000 days away.

“This event gives just a taste of what can be done. Sport and culture play such an important part in the health and well-being of everybody and are particularly important for the disabled."