Volunteers in Olympics training day

Thousands of London 2012 volunteers and employees gathered on Saturday for a "milestone" event in the build-up to the Olympics - their first orientation and training event.

The session at Wembley Arena, attended by 10,000 people, was the first of six events taking place over three dates in February.

They are the first stage in the training programme for employees and up to 70,000 Olympics volunteers, dubbed "Games Makers". Around 70% of the trainees at each session will be volunteers.

Lord Coe, chair of London organisers LOCOG, said: "Today marks a significant milestone in our preparation for the Games.

"These orientation events are the start of our extensive training programme which will deliver over one million training hours for up to 70,000 people from around the country.

"Our Games Makers will contribute a total of around eight million volunteer hours during the Games and the Games simply wouldn't happen without them.

"I hope that the orientation training they receive has made them even more excited about being part of the London 2012 team this summer."

The events provide an introduction to the heritage and importance of the Games as well as an insight into what working at London 2012 will be like, including the sports, venues and the roles.

The sessions include welcome talks from hosts, presentations and mocked up scenarios which will introduce people to the realities of putting on an event the size of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Six smaller regional orientation sessions will be held in March for Games Makers who have been offered roles at venues outside of London in Weymouth and Portland, Cardiff, Coventry, Newcastle, Manchester and Glasgow.