IT IS not just the Olympic and Paralympic athletes being put through their paces ahead of the London 2012 Games – Weymouth volunteers are also in training.

A team of marshals are preparing to welcome 600 visitors at a time to the town’s historic Nothe Fort, when the surrounding gardens become the first-ever ticketed venue for Olympic sailing.

4,600 spectators a day have already bought tickets for this summer’s sell-out event, from July 29 to August 11.

Earlier this year, the fort called for volunteers to help steward during the Games and 135 people have signed up; but more are still needed.

The venue will be closed to the public for two weeks – apart from two nights of public concerts – so it is a unique chance for those without tickets to be part of the action.

Ten volunteers, who will be Team Leaders during the Games, took part in a two-day safety awareness course at the fort this week, organised by the Dorchester Volunteer Bureau.

Jane Chandler, events team leader for the fort, said: “Nothe Fort is one of Weymouth’s premier museums and attractions – we want to use the Olympics to showcase it.

“We’re doing a lot of training, it’s very important that everyone is aware of what their role is.

“Our marshals have got to be friendly while making sure it all goes smoothly;safety is absolutely paramount.

“We want it to be an enjoyable experience for visitors who will return when they see how interesting it is.”

Six teams of six marshals will work daily to escort the 600 visitors at a time through the fort.

Mrs Chandler said: “We’ll be welcoming people for an hour at a time by issuing free tickets in the gardens.

“We’ve got 60 Nothe volunteers signed up for the Olympics and about 75 people from outside.

“Six new people have already joined the Nothe Fort team, that’s going to be our legacy; hopefully we’ll get more volunteers to help.”

Nothe Fort chairman Helen Rettie, described the influx of volunteer applications as ‘amazing’ and encouraged more people to get involved.

She added: “Even if you only have one day free that would be great.”

Gerald Duke of Martinstown, applied while on holiday in Malta.

He said: “The people at Nothe Fort are a great bunch and working as a volunteer during the Olympic sailing will be a good way to be involved with so many people from around the world.”

To volunteer, visit nothefort.org.uk for an application form.

Interviews will be held at the end of March and training will take place in April.