Commonwealth Games: Volunteers Apply For 2014

The organisers of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games 2014 say they have been swamped with people wanting to perform a gamesmaker-type role at the event.

The lines for applications opened at 7am, and by lunchtime more than 4,000 people had volunteered.

Organisers are seeking 15,000 with different skills to help make next summer's festival of sport in the Scottish city a success.

Valerie Mitchell, head of the Games workforce, told Sky News: "We're taken aback by the number of applications so far.

"Fifty thousand people registered an interest in volunteering and it's reassuring to see this backed up by action."

She added: "Taking part in the biggest sporting event that Scotland will ever host will be the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Not only are they helping the athletes themselves, they are giving something to the community that will live long in the memory."

"London 2012 let people see the value of volunteering and I think that's reflected in our application process."

Those behind Glasgow 2014 stress no experience is necessary and funding is available to those who may face practical or financial barriers.

As well as looking for volunteers to fill general roles, organisers are also seeking specialists including medics, drivers and people with specific sports expertise.

Olympic super-heavyweight boxing gold medallist Anthony Joshua and another 2012 Olympian, recently-retired Glaswegian badminton player Susan Egelstaff, were at the launch of the volunteer application programme at the city's Central Station.

The deadline for applications, which can be made online , is February 28.

The volunteers might not be labelled "games makers" because that tag has been trademarked by London 2012.