Hartlepool's chance to play a part in Sunderland Tall Ships Races success

The search has started to find up to 350 volunteers who will help to ensure Sunderland’s 2018 Tall Ships leg runs smoothly.

The four days of the Sunderland leg of the 2018 races, will last from July 11 to 14 next year and Victoria French, head of events at Sunderland City Council, said volunteers would be “integral” to the success of the event.

She added: “There is a raft of roles that we are looking for.”

“We know we will attract people from Sunderland which is great but also people who have volunteered on other events throughout the North East and beyond, and other Tall Ships events.

“The experience that people will get from volunteering for a large-scale event will be brilliant. It will be fun.

“People will have a wonderful time and it is something that they can be proud of, that they are part of the event.”

A huge variety of volunteer jobs is on offer.

l Event Support workers will get a high profile chance to help run the media, crew and volunteer centres.

l Ship Liaison Officers will be the key point of contact for the ship’s captains and crew. They make sure crews have everything they need from the moment they arrive right through to when they say goodbye to Sunderland.

l Event Coordinators will welcome visitors, deal with site and event information, help the ships’ crews with activities, and guide guests and media.

l Technical Liaison Officers must be technically skilled. They would be part of the ship greeting party as they arrive at The Port of Sunderland. This role will be the first point of contact for ship’s urgent or technical issues.

For further information about event and how to get involved, go to www.tallshipssunderland.com or follow the Twitter page @TallShipsSund or on Facebook at TallShipsRacesSunderland.