9 July 2010 Last updated at 12:29 ET

Thousands to be trained as 2012 Olympic volunteers

Singer Alesha Dixon helped launch the volunteer scheme

Thousands of volunteers are to be recruited and trained for the 2012 London Olympics.

Fast food giant McDonald's will help take on 70,000 so-called Games Makers from across the UK.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said they would be trained to ensure the event was an "unforgettable experience".

Of McDonald's he said: "There are few organisations with the... experience required to prepare such a large team in a relatively short space of time."

'Skills and confidence'

Roles for volunteers will range from interpreting, first aid, checking tickets and giving travel advice.

Volunteers will also be required to work at venues across London as well as at the 2012 sailing events in Weymouth and Portland, Dorset, and rowing events at Eton Dorney Lake in Buckinghamshire.

McDonald's spends more than £30m a year on training its 80,000-strong workforce.

Lord Coe said: "Providing good customer service to millions of people each day is core to McDonald's business, and the company has a proven track record in developing its own 80,000-strong workforce to thrive in a fast-paced, busy environment.

"This combination makes McDonald's uniquely placed to equip the London 2012 Games Makers with the skills needed to deliver an unforgettable experience to millions of visitors to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Steve Easterbrook, from McDonald's UK, said: "We are proud to use this experience to help prepare the volunteers for the unique experience of London 2012 - providing them with the skills and confidence to deliver an outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Games".

Online applications for specialist volunteer roles open on 27 July and on 15 September for general roles.

Games Makers must be aged 18 or over by 1 January 2012.

Up to 1,500 roles will be available for under 18s through the London 2012 'Young Games Maker' programme which will be unveiled next year.