Johnson wants the new city volunteers to compliment the work of the 70,000 Olympic volunteers and ensure visitors receive the warmest of welcomes and first class advice on getting around the capital and to London 2012 events.

 

 

He launched the campaign to coincide with the celebrations taking place today to mark three years to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics.

On hand at airports, mainline train and Tube stations, major visitor attractions and other key locations, the city volunteers will be fully trained to welcome our guests and help them get the most out of their time in London and the UK.

 

They will give information and directions to visitors, but will also help Londoners whose everyday routines are affected by the Games.

 

Johnson hopes that, with many of the volunteers stationed where they live or work, they will use their specialist local knowledge to direct people towards the right bus, nearest cash point or public toilet.
 

He said: “In exactly three years, London hosts the world’s greatest sporting event which we will turn into a memorable festival of entertainment and fun.

 

"Volunteering is a fantastically rewarding and worthwhile activity, as millions of Londoners already know.

 

"I want the city volunteer programme to make thousands of ordinary Londoners proud, by being part of this extraordinary time in London’s rich and colourful history.
 

“This role is vital, because these volunteers will be London’s front line ambassadors.

 

"I want to ensure that the warm and friendly welcome they afford our guests, as they point them in the right direction, leaves them feeling they have just spent a wonderful time with a great friend – a friend they will certainly revisit as soon as possible.”

 

People who want to register their interest in Games-time volunteering opportunities can do so at www.london2012.com.