VOLUNTEERS are being recruited to give a warm welcome and fond farewell to millions of passengers jetting in and out of Glasgow Airport this summer.

The hub is searching for dozens of people from students to ­pensioners. They won't get paid but could end up chatting to celebrities and sports stars.

Recruitment is underway at a time when the airport is gearing up for a sizzling summer as Glasgow rolls out the red carpet for some of the world's most famous music acts and sports athletes.

The city is hosting the Commonwealth Games and big name stars such as cyclist Bradley Wiggins will be flying in.

Glasgow will also be rocking when it stages the glamour MTV ­Europe Music Awards as well as Radio 1's Big Weekend featuring Paisley singer Paolo Nutini.

American golfer Tom Watson along with the cream of the Continent and the UK will also be jetting to Scotland ahead of this year's Ryder Cup at Gleneagles with Scotsman Sam Torrance already named as one of Team Europe's vice captains.

Airport duty manager Amanda MacLellan who is heading up the temporary taskforce wants an army of 40 volunteers and said: "It doesn't matter if you are young, young at heart, crazy about sport or just enjoy meeting new people and perhaps the occasional famous person.

"It will be an exciting time to be part of the team and a fantastic experience for people who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment."

Potential recruits have until Thursday to submit applications online at www.glasgowairport.com/summerofcelebration with the proviso that all volunteers must be at least 18-years-old.

Selection events will then be held between Monday, March 31, and Sunday, April 6, and will include group exercises and one-to-one interviews.

Successful applicants must commit to 20 hours a month. The scheme starts in May and will last at least six months. Last year the airport handled more than seven million passengers. Several million will use the terminal buildings just in the summer.

Ms MacLellan added: "It is shaping up to be an exciting summer this year and everyone here is looking forward to playing our part in these high-profile events.

"Last year we launched our new brand 'Proud to Serve Scotland' - now we are looking for people who are proud to welcome the world to Scotland."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk