Fast-food giants McDonald's are to offer staff training to A-level standard.

They have won Government approval to become an exam board and are piloting a "basic shift manager" course, which will train staff in everything they need to run a McDonald's outlet.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority said they would allow the company to develop courses up to the equivalent of A-level. Network Rail and Flybe were also approved to award their own qualifications, the QCA said.

Skills Secretary John Denham said: "This is an important step towards ending the old divisions between company training schemes and national qualifications, something that will benefit employees, employers and the country as a whole."

Lesson number one...controlling your gag reflex.