First training session complete for volunteers at July's Island Games

It is all becoming very real...

There is just five months to go until July's Natwest International Island Games in Guernsey.

Around 1200 volunteers have already signed up to help out, with recruitment ongoing.

But on Saturday in Beau Sejour, the current crop had their first training session and received their uniforms.

They were also told more about their roles, and shown some of the technology they will be using to communicate with each other during the competition.

It is a huge logistical challenge for the organisers, but they say there is only one word to describe the islanders who have stepped forward to help out - enthusiasm.

Among the reasons volunteers gave for signing up included wanting to meet other people, a love of sports, and just a general sense of excitement.

For Head of Marshalling, Alex Knowledon, it is about being ensuring the welfare of everyone involved.

"We need to make sure all the athletes and their supporters are in the right place at the right and are kept safe. We will be working closely with Guernsey police and civil protection."

Hundreds of athletes and their supporters will descend on the island in July - an opportunity to show it can compete with the best.

Communications and Events Director, Amanda Hibbs, describes the event as "hugely exciting."

She added: "Guernsey is the first of the member islands to host for a third time. There's going to be a lot of hard work if I'm honest, but it's very exciting."