APPLICATIONS are now open to volunteer at Keswick’s Christian Convention.

Keswick Ministries recruits about 650 volunteers each year to help organise the popular event.

Volunteers from across the UK support the event by serving at the reception desk, on the welcome team, preparing food, helping with disabled visitors, supporting the children and youth work and setting up and taking down the events marquees.

David Sawday, chief operating officer at Keswick Ministries, said: “We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support the hundreds of volunteers provide each year. With only nine full-time staff, we would be unable to run the convention if it were not for these men and women.

“Volunteers come up to the convention and give their time and energy for one, two or three weeks. Some, give their entire summer break and help us over a period of four full weeks, including set-up and take-down. It is truly amazing and we are grateful for their tremendous support.”

The convention is attended by about 12,000 visitors over three weeks.

Alan Urquhart, from Cockermouth, has been part of the volunteer team since 2011. He said: “I signed up for a one-off event, and have been helping ever since. I look forward to it, every year. I have made some really good friends on the volunteer team and look forward to working with them again.

“I help as a steward and really enjoy meeting visitors to the convention. Every year, I will see many people I already know. it is nice to have a good rapport with people.

“I help find room in the marquee for some of the disabled visitors and have learned to find ways to accommodate them and to make them feel really welcome. To me, giving my time means that more people can hear about Christ. It is worth it.”

Naomi Sims, of Lincolnshire, volunteered for the first time at the convention, this summer and is looking forward to returning next year.

She said: “I have grown up seeing the amazing work that Keswick Ministries team does and wanted to become a part of it someday. I applied as soon as I turned 18.

“I was slightly nervous, because I had never volunteered as part of such a large team before, but it was the best decision ever. Volunteering was the highlight of my summer, the teams are lovely, and the staff are incredible. So many laughs and good memories to look back on.

“It is a privilege to serve alongside other Christians as part of Keswick Ministries, in the beautiful setting of the Lake District.”

To apply as a volunteer visit keswickministries.org/volunteer.