The original target set by London Mayor Boris Johnson when he launched the scheme last July was for 25,000 registrations but the programme has attracted unprecedented demand to become one of the army of guides needed to help visitors.

The Ambassadors, who are different to the 70,000 Games Makers currently being recruited by London 2012, are due to be located at one of 35 information booths across the capital's transport hubs, Olympic venues, City Live Sites and tourist hot spots.

They will provide much needed information on what to see and do, where to stay and how to get around the city.

From today, the 33,722 who are registered have until February 28 to complete the online application form at the London Ambassadors website and shortlisted applicants will be interviewed between April and July 2011.

Successful recruits will then be trained between January and June next year and equipped with the skills needed to assist and inform visitors to London, answering questions about London and helping guide them to the outdoor screens broadcasting the Games across central London, and its key attractions, from museums and theatres to restaurants and shopping districts.

"The huge number of people signing up to my programme is excellent news, however it should come as no surprise that so many Londoners want the honour of this once in a lifetime opportunity to represent their great city to our visitors in 2012," said Johnson.

"I thank everyone who has registered and now urge you to waste no time in filling out  your applications to ensure you don't miss your chance to be part of this unique part of the capital's extraordinary history."

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