SPORTS enthusiasts in West Devon are being encouraged to take part in a free nationwide sports scheme which starts next week.

OCRA and Active Devon are co-ordinating the Devon section of the Sport Makers programme, which is looking to encourage 40,000 people across the UK to volunteer in helping to run sport activities and get more people involved in sport. All volunteers are welcome to get involved in the London 2012 legacy project, regardless of their experience.

Stuart Lord from OCRA saw the programme as a great way to get involved in the biggest year of sport in the UK's history: 'It's great to have this fun and interactive course that links to the Olympic legacy running locally, that appeals to people of all ages, abilities and background.

'Everyone can play a part, whether it be on the front line coaching a team or group of friends, or behind the scenes organising an event or group. Anything you do to help promote sport and activity and get people active makes you a Sports Maker. 2012 is an exciting year locally for sport and activity, come along and get involved.'

Every volunteer receives an Adidas gift pack with a free polo shirt, sports bag, Sport Makers wrist band, volunteer pack that will give volunteers information and everything they need to get involved in leading sports activities, and a chance to get a visit from a local Olympian or Paralympian.

All Sports Makers who attend the initial workshop session and commit to ten hours of volunteering could also win London 2012 tickets.

To become one in your area, you can attend a workshop at Okehampton College on Thursday, February 23 from 6pm to 8.30pm. To register, visit http://www.sportmakers.co.uk">www.sportmakers.co.uk and select Devon as your county. Enter your details and book onto the Okehampton workshop 230212.

For more information, call OCRA on 01837 54546.