London 2012 Olympics attracts quarter of million aspiring Games Makers

Over 240,000 people have applied to be London 2012 Games Makers, volunteering at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The London 2012 Organising Committee has received applications from people from all backgrounds and communities across the UK. Up to 70,000 Games Makers will be needed to stage a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The process now starts to select dedicated and passionate people who will undertake a wide variety of roles - from athlete escorts to stewards to radio operators.

Those who are successful through a selection and interview process will attend at least three training sessions to ensure they are fully prepared for the Games.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson is also recruiting up to 8,000 London Ambassadors to help and advise all the visitors who will travel to London at Games time.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said: 'We're thrilled with the response we've had to date for our volunteering programme and would like to thank the 240,000 people who have pledged to give their time during the Games in 2012.

'Now we begin the task of finding the right people and ensuring that we match them to the most appropriate roles. This is a long process and will take time but we're asking people to be patient - this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is really worth it!'