AN ‘army’ of volunteers is being recruited for one of the biggest sporting events to be held in the city.

More than 3,000 people are being sought to take part in the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

Applications for a selection of roles opened to the public on Monday.

As part of one of the most ambitious volunteering programmes ever undertaken in Scotland, successful applicants will be a welcoming face to athletes, officials, media and spectators as they visit Glasgow next year.

The event is expected to be attended by around 250,000 people and bring in around total ticket sales of at least £3million.

Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor Archie Graham OBE, said: “Glasgow is known across the world for the warmth of its people and nowhere was that on show more than during the 2014 Commonwealth Games when we welcomed the world to our city with open arms.

“The people of Glasgow were the magic ingredient that showed the real heart and soul of the city during the best ever Commonwealth Games and we are sure that will be the case when we host the first ever European Championships in the summer of 2018.

“But more than that, we are also determined to ensure that the Glasgow 2018 Volunteer Programme is fully inclusive and open to all building on the success of previous volunteer programmes in the city.

“Regardless of experience or current circumstances we will work with people to break down any barriers they may face to volunteering.”

The Glasgow 2018 Volunteers Programme was launched at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall and was attended by a team of Glasgow 2018 Champions and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official Volunteering Ambassador.

A combination of of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon, along with a new Golf team championships, will included in the event.

Glasgow 2018 Championships Director Colin Hartley said: “The Glasgow 2018 European Championships promises to be a memorable event for the whole city and our volunteers will be at its heart.

“From assisting elite athletes at venues to providing a friendly and welcoming face to the thousands of visitors arriving during Championships time, the volunteers will play an absolutely vital role in ensuring Glasgow 2018 is a success.”