The Glasgow 2018 volunteer programme was launched at the Scottish city's Kelvin Hall at an event attended by a team of "volunteering champions" and actor Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official volunteering ambassador.

Organisers are hoping thousands of people over the age of 16 will express an interest in joining the team with Glasgow 2018 volunteers set to be "right at the heart of the inaugural European Championships".

Volunteers are expected to play an important role in the experience offered to athletes, officials, media and fans when they visit the city next year.

They will support a wide range of functions including spectator services, accreditation, transport logistics and media assistance.

Glasgow 2018 is hoping to build on the success of previous volunteering programmes delivered in the city, including at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The inaugural European Championships will see existing continental competitions in aquatics, cycling, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon held in Glasgow at the same time, while athletics will take place in German capital Berlin. 

"The Glasgow 2018 European Championships promises to be a memorable event for the whole city and our volunteers will be at its heart," said Glasgow 2018 director Colin Hartley.

"From assisting elite athletes at venues to providing a friendly and welcoming face to the thousands of visitors arriving during Championships time, the volunteers will play an absolutely vital role in ensuring Glasgow 2018 is a success.

"Glaswegians are renowned for their generosity and friendliness and these are values which we aim to reflect in our volunteers.

"This will be one of the most inclusive volunteer programmes ever delivered so we want to hear from everyone regardless of their previous experience or current circumstances.

"There is a real opportunity for you to play your part in sporting history by applying to become a Glasgow 2018 volunteer."

As part of the inaugural European Championships, around 3,000 athletes are due to compete in Scotland between August 2 and 12.

A further 1,500 athletes will compete in Berlin.

It is hoped the quadrennial showpiece will elevate the status of European champions and attract a potential television audience of up to 1.03 billion across the continent, with a wider audience via digital platforms.

Attendances across Glasgow 2018 venues are expected to be in the region of 250,000.

Applications will remain open up until July 31 and those wanting to apply can do so here.