The volunteers were selected from a total of 250 candidates from across Russia, and they include some who even helped out at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.

Eighty of the volunteers will be helping out at the Olympic Games, whilst 24 will be assisting at the Paralympics.

Volunteer centres from different countries took part in the convention, with volunteers learning about the Olympic Movement and its values.

They were also given training to help them in London and then in Sochi, where they will share what is hoped will be crucial experience gained to help other volunteers.

Andrew Newman, head of the London 2012 volunteer system, led the delegation to Sochi and said: "I think one of the pillars of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and what they try and do is pass on knowledge from Games from Organising Committee to Organising Committee so I'm sure the Sochi volunteers will learn a huge amount from being part of London 2012."

Convention participant Anna Kireeva added: "Experience is a crucial thing in volunteer work.

"By working in London we will learn better about problems we have to tackle back in Sochi."

Whilst the volunteers were in London honing their skills ahead of next year, some of their peers were similarly busy giving up their time back home in Sochi, working at Generations For Peace's eighth peace camp.

In all more 28,000 volunteers will be present during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, comprising a third of all staff.

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