​Volunteers are at the heart of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games, say organisers

An army of volunteers has been the bedrock upon which the success of Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games has been built.

15,000 helpers – dubbed Clydesiders – were chosen from 50,800 who applied and they have been instrumental in making the event go without a hitch so far.

Volunteers are helping out in areas such as spectator services, transport and press operations.

Valerie Mitchell, head of the Games workforce, said: “The volunteers definitely make the games.

“When I’m out and about, people are speaking to me about it all the time, giving great feedback, saying how friendly the volunteers are and how helpful they are.

“Really without the volunteers, we just couldn’t put on this sporting event.”

Without the volunteers, we just couldn’t put on this sporting event

Australian Nikki McFarlane travelled across the world from Queensland to become a Clydesider after being inspired to do so by her enjoyment of the Melbourne games in 2006.

The media centre worker said: "I'm obviously very lucky to have been chosen, there were so many others who could have done it.

"I'm having a ball, it's an amazing city. Every street corner, everywhere I go even before I was wearing my uniform, people were so friendly, but now this is just amazing and well worth three flights across the world to do it."

Glaswegian Katherine Kinloch said her experience as a Clydesider made her proud to be from the city.

"It's my first time ever volunteering for something like this and it's amazing. As cliched as it sounds, it's the best thing I've ever done and I'm so glad that I volunteered.

"It's just amazing, the atmosphere, everyone's so friendly. As a Glaswegian, I'm immensely proud to be part of this city and Scotland."