Volunteer stewards wanted for Southwark leg of Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic flame will be carried into the borough of Southwark across the Millennium Bridge at about 10am before making its way through SE1 to Old Kent Road and on to Peckham.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for local people to take part in the build up to the Olympics," says Cllr Veronica Ward, Southwark's cabinet member for leisure, culture and the Olympics.

"As the torch has travelled around the country it has gathered far greater momentum than expected so we can now expect hundreds, if not thousands, of people to be lining the streets on the day as the torch travels through Southwark the day before the Olympics opening.

"However we also want people to be safe so we are looking to recruit up to 100 volunteer stewards to assist in manning of the route ensuring that it passes safely through the borough and that the experience of torchbearers, residents, workers and visitors is positive.

"We believe that this volunteering project will bring local knowledge and passion to the relays and bring London 2012 even closer to the community adding to the shared experience of the neighbourhood through which the torches will pass."

Council bosses will be anxious to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes which surrounded the last Olympic torch relay through SE1 in 2008.

The selected volunteers will receive training in dealing with the public, crowd management, identifying hazards and responding to them..

All Olympic torch stewards will be required to attend a training session on Thursday 19 July between 5pm and 6.30pm at 160 Tooley Street and must be available from 8am to 1.30pm on Thursday 26 July.

• Prospective volunteers should apply online before 9am on Monday 16 July.