London 2012: Surrey to recruit 450 ambassadors

Denise Saliagopoulos with Elisabeth Hoffing and Andy Cope from the Coca-Cola Olympic torch tour

Volunteers are being recruited to act as ambassadors for Surrey when the 2012 Olympic cycle events and torch relay are in the county.

Surrey County Council wants 450 people to help welcome more than one million people who are expected to visit the area between 20 July and 1 August.

"These volunteers will be vital," said Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos.

"It is a really fantastic opportunity. It is a pretty good thing to put on your CV, I think."

The torch relay will be in Surrey on 20 July, where it will make its final overnight stop in Guildford before entering London.

The Olympic road cycling races will be making their way through Surrey, including Box Hill, on 28 and 29 July. The cycling time trial is on 1 August.

Ms Saliagopoulos said the volunteers, who would have a uniform, would be at key spots along the cycle route and other locations such as railway stations.

"We want them to give directions, provide information and encourage spectators to visit the local attractions," said Ms Saliagopoulos.

Volunteers should be over 18 and able to commit to at least two five-hour days. They will have a half-day training session.

"It is giving Surrey an opportunity to promote our local businesses and whether visitors come back will depend on the impression we give them," said Ms Saliagopoulos.

"The great thing is the volunteers will meet people from all over the world."