A TOTAL of 20,000 people have already said they want to sign up to be volunteers at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Evening Times revealed on November 6 that the public could register an interest in taking part in the 2014 sporting event.

Within hours, organisers were deluged with people desperate to play their part in history.

Some got in touch online and by phone, while others opted to visit the new volunteers' centre at the Commonwealth Games HQ in Albion Street.

Many were from Glasgow, but hopeful volunteers also got in touch from cities such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Stirling and even London.

Val Mitchell, who is head of volunteering for Glasgow 2014, said people of all ages and backgrounds had registered their interest.

She said: "The response has been fantastic since the story appeared in the Evening Times.

"We had people walking in off the street on the day we did the launch.

"We are delighted with the response. It is great so many people are willing to help make the Games happen.

"Those who have expressed an interest come from every walk of life. We have people who work, students and others who have retired, but they all want to give up their time for the Games.

"Because of the different skills we are looking for, we still want people to register their interest until the end of next month."

They can do so at the volunteer centre, by telephone and online (see panel on opposite page).

Organisers have also sent information packs to 342 organisations across Scotland, asking them to pass them on to individuals and groups in their network.

From January until the end of February it will be possible to formally apply for one of the 15,000 posts available and application forms will be sent to everyone who has registered.

It is hoped about 45,000 people will apply and every application will be considered by Ms Mitchell and her staff.

It is likely 25,000 people will be asked to attend interviews, which will be carried out by about 300 volunteers who will be trained to find the best people.

Interviews will take place between next April and December.

Mr Mitchell said: "We don't pay volunteers for travel or accommodation – they have to do that themselves – but they get to be part of the Games and will gain valuable experience."

Volunteers must be 16 when they apply – there is no upper limit – and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Ms Mitchell said: "We need doctors, nurses and physiotherapists and people trained in lifting weights for the weightlifters.

"However, most of the roles are general. For example, we will need hundreds of drivers and people to direct spectators to the venues, and also people to be the Clyde mascot at each venue."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk