A volunteering scheme for The Open this summer will replicate the successful Marker scheme used at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Organisers are calling on people wanting to learn new skills and have launched a new Event Makers programme to promote and coordinate opportunities when the golf championship returns to Royal St George's in Sandwich.

As well as the Olympics, the programme follows the success of Portrush’s Greeter Programme at The 148th Open, and the new Event Makers website has now been launched to show how to get involved and you can click here to check it out .

It promises "a range of free training opportunities to develop your strengths and support you for your greeter role." The training will also lead to qualifications up to NVQ Level 2, including first aid, volunteering and crowd management.

The championship runs from July 12-19.

Volunteers will be positioned at transport hubs and other key locations away from Royal St George’s to assist with wayfinding, and providing useful local information on how visitors can make the most of their stay beyond the golf.

The Event Makers programme is a partnership between Sporting Events UK, Dover District Council and Dover Technical College, supported by Kent County Council and The R&A.

“Well informed and happy visitors are likely to stay longer and revisit, adding to the local economy"

Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC lead cabinet member for The Open said: “Well informed and happy visitors are likely to stay longer and revisit, adding to the local economy.

"It’s great news this scheme is up and running ahead of The 149th Open.”

Nick Holbrook-Sutcliffe, Principal, Dover Technical College, said: “Dover Technical College is pleased to be working with our local partners on this project and we’re particularly excited about the legacy that the volunteering programme will have for Kent long after the success of The 149th Open in Sandwich; bringing communities together with a shared pride in all of the experiences our beautiful county has to offer.”

Meanwhile there is still time for community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations in Sandwich to apply for grants of up to £15,000 from a new scheme aiming to deliver a sustainable legacy from The Open.

The Green Initiatives Grant Programme is part of the legacy investment into Sandwich for The 149th Open, which returns to Royal St George’s from 12-19 July.

The £52,500 fund comes from a collaboration between The R&A, Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council and Kent County Council designed to support sustainability and climate change focused projects and initiatives to enhance the long twerm local environment.

Sandwich-based charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations heard about the grants at a launch and information event at the town's Guildhall last Monday, March 2.

Councillor Nigel Collor, Dover District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for The 149th Open, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to secure funding for projects that aim to maintain and enhance the environment in Sandwich for the benefit of the local community for years to come.”

Philip Russell, The R&A’s Assistant Director – Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to be working with the local authorities to deliver the Green Initiatives Grant Programme in Sandwich. The project is part of our investment legacy to preserve and enhance the town and to ensure that we leave positive and lasting benefits for the local community as a result of staging The 149th Open.”

Applications for the Green Initiatives Grant Programme close at midday on Friday, April 10. To apply visit dover.gov.uk

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