VALUED VOLUNTEER: Mike Thompson lines up with Premier League referee Mark Clattenberg, second from left, and other match officials at Watford FC’s training ground during his role as a 2012 Olympics volunteer.

The West Bay resident said: “I was a Gamesmaker Volunteer with FIFA Men and Women Football Referees in the support team.

“My duties included work at the training venue and I was also a liaison officer responsible for transporting the officials to Wembley and other venues.

“In recognition of my work, I was also given tickets to the Japan versus Mexico men’s semi-final at Wembley.

“I also got to see the women’s marathon and men’s triathlon in Hyde Park and will return to London as part of the Paralympic football support team at the Riverside Arena in Stratford.”