A recruitment drive to find 10,000 security staff for the London 2012 Olympic Games has begun today.

G4S, the official security provider for the Games, today opened the doors to its London 2012 Recruitment Centre.

Employees will carry out a variety of tasks, including bag and vehicle searches in what is being billed the biggest paid recruitment drive of the century.

G4S says it is recruiting from a broad range of backgrounds, ages and experience levels.

Jobs are starting immediately and recruited staff will earn a starting wage of �8.50 an hour, rising for specialist skills and supervisory roles.

Managing director of G4S security personnel, Mark Hamilton, said: “Our recruitment drive offers unique employment opportunities to thousands of Britons, allowing them to get closer to the excitement and play an important role in delivering a safe and secure London 2012 Games.

“Our training will also provide successful applicants with a professional security services qualification that will kick-start their careers in the sector post-2012.”

Candidates must attend an interview at the recruitment centre, based at Rokeby School in Newham, along with screening and vetting process, before their application is submitted to Olympic organisers for accreditation.

The recruitment centre will also serve as a training facility.