Surrey issues late call for Olympic Ambassador applications ahead of Tuesday deadline

Surrey County Council has issued a last-minute call for people living or working in the county to volunteer as Olympic ambassadors before a deadline for applications expires this Tuesday, 31 January.

Successful applicants, who must be aged at least 18, will be required to undertake a half-day training session plus be able to commit to two five-hour days when the county hosts events connected with the Games.

The relevant dates are 20 July, when the Olympic Torch Relay passes through the county ahead of its arrival in London the following day, 28 and 29 July, when the men’s and women’s road races will be held, and 1 August, the day of both time trials.

During the road races and the time trials, volunteers will be in place either on the routes themselves, or at local railway stations to help direct visitors.

The county council has said that it will take on some 450 people to help cope with an anticipated 1 million visitors during the Games, reports the BBC.

"It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I encourage everyone who wants to play their part in the 2012 Games to apply now," said Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and the 2012 Games.

"Ambassadors will get invaluable experience working directly with the public, they will get training and meet people from all over the world," she added.

Further details, including how to apply, can be found on the Go Surrey website.