ORGANISERS of the Commonwealth Games have launched a massive recruitment operation.

The initiative to enrol 15,000 volunteers is being hailed as the biggest recruitment drive the UK has ever seen in peacetime.

The volunteers will be the 'face' of the games, which run from July 25 to August 4, 2002.

Volunteer manager Amy Parrish-Rett says: "The volunteers are both the public face of the Games and the force behind the scenes. Visitors and athletes will be guided, hosted and assisted by the volunteers - crew 2002. We are looking forward to seeing people eager to sign up as the heart of the games and the face of Manchester and Britain on the world stage."

Volunteers will be trained in a range of roles including athlete, media and VIP accreditation; press and broadcasting services; ticketing; transport; ushering and VIP services. Volunteers with specialist skills will also be required, in particular in medicine, sport and technology.

Volunteers must be aged 16-plus by December 2001, be able to commit to working a minimum of 10 shifts during the games and be prepared to attend training sessions during 2002.

Applicants should go to the Games Volunteer Centre, fourth floor, Heron House, Albert Square, Manchester, to pick up an application form. Alternatively they can write to Volunteers, Manchester 2002, PO Box 2002, Manchester M60 3RP; fill in the on-line application form on the Games website at www.commonwealthgames.com; or go to any northwest branch of recruitment agency Adecco, the official staffing sponsor.