HUNDREDS of applications have flooded in from volunteers wishing to be part of the Olympic sailing events.

The Nothe Fort in Weymouth is recruiting 150 people to help out as marshals during the 2012 Games, when 4,600 ticketed spectators a day will be flocking to the official view point for a fortnight.

When racing starts on July 29, the Nothe Fort will only be open to ticketholders so it is a unique chance for residents without tickets to be part of the action.

In anticipation for the mass of visitors to the historic landmark, extra marshals and stewards are needed to work alongside its friendly band of volunteers.

Interviews are taking place this week to begin selecting marshals.

Nothe volunteer Andy Stewart, who is the Evacuee Experience team leader, said: “We’ve had just over 100 applications and we’ve been interviewing every day this week.

“We’re still keen to get more applications because we’re going to need around 30 per day.

“Also you never know what they want to do – some only want to do mornings, others afternoons and some can help out all day.

“The fort has lots of areas underground and we’ve had some visitors in the past who don’t like it, so we’re getting all our interviewees to come in through the side door – if they can get through the fort okay they’ll be all right.

“Some people are susceptible to feeling spooked.”

The Nothe Fort will be closed off to the public for a two- week period in July and August because it is within the offic- ial Olympic viewing site.

People who have bought tickets to watch the sailing – priced between £20 and £55 – will be able to access the historic fort for free.

For non-ticketed spectators the Live Site on Weymouth Beach, where big screens will show Olympic sailing and other sports, will be free of charge.

The Bayside Festival, behind Weymouth Pavilion, a sports area on Weymouth Beach and the Martime Mix, Cultural Olympiad by the Sea will also be providing entertainment for the expected 60,000 visitors a day to the borough.

Applications for would-be Nothe marshals are still being sought and full training will be provided. No specific skills are necessary apart from enjoying working with people, although a good sense of humour will probably come in handy and a knowledge of a foreign language would be useful.

Nothe events team leader Jane Chandler said she was ‘absolutely thrilled’ by the response so far.

She said: “I’ve even had a phone call from Malta, from a man who is returning home to Dorset and wants to help. His application was sent online.”

To find out more contact Jane Chandler on 01305 775829 or email janechandler123@hotmail.com Application forms are available to download online at nothefort.org.