Volunteers set new Commonwealth Games record

People from across the world have applied to become volunteers at the Games

A new record has been set by the number of people offering to be volunteers at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

A total of 50,811 people have come forward offering their services - more than the number who applied for both the Melbourne 2006 and Manchester 2002 Games.

Organisers said 61% of applicants were female and people applied from across the world.

The applicants will be whittled down to the 15,000 needed.

The deadline for applications was midnight on Thursday.

Early indications show applications from every local authority in Scotland, as well as across the UK and internationally.

Glasgow 2014 is one of the first major sporting events to allow 16-year-olds to apply and figures show that 18% of applicants were aged between 16 and 18.

A total of 38% were under the age of 25.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the numbers. We have received a record number of applicants and all those who have applied are already helping Glasgow 2014 make history.

"Scots are famed for being generous with their time and have a real heritage of volunteering and it's fantastic to see them, along with people from across the UK and internationally, come forward in such numbers to support their Games."

'Enthusiastic people'

Valerie Mitchell, head of Games workforce at Glasgow 2014, said: "We are thrilled with the level of interest and to have such a great mix of people apply to be part of the Games. We are also really over the moon at the response from young people."

Sport Minister Shona Robison said: "It is fantastic that so many people, from all over the UK and beyond, want to be at the heart of the Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting and cultural event ever seen in Scotland."

She added: "For those who need it, the £500,000 Legacy 2014 Volunteer Support Programme can help people in Scotland who face practical or financial barriers to making their volunteering dreams a reality, such as carers, people with a disability or people with additional childcare needs."

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said: "To have the highest ever number of applications to volunteer shows how enthusiastic people are about the Games and their desire to be part of this unforgettable event for our city and country."

Interviews will be held between April and December.