Over 1,000 Northern Ireland hopefuls have put their names down to become part of the 70,000-strong volunteer army at the London 2012 Olympics.

Now the local selection committee are seeking volunteers to help them choose which of the volunteers will be invited to London in 18 months time.

Over 40 are needed to assist with the selection procedure at Queen's University in Belfast between April 20 and 29 April next year.

Those picked will be known as Games Makers, and they will have responsibility for helping to keep the Olympic machine running smoothly in the largest workforce mobilisation in peacetime the UK has ever seen.

The search is now on for 40 selection event volunteers to help conduct interviews, support the check-in desk and provide information to applicants.

Duties will involve a minimum of four shifts, with one day’s training in competency-based interview skills provided at Queen's on April 2.

Applications close at 5pm on January 14 and can be accessed at www.volunteering-ni.org or phone Volunteer Now on Belfast's Ormeau Road, 02890 236100.