SHANGHAI -- The recruitment of volunteers for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo will begin on May 1, and people from abroad are welcome to apply, an Expo organizing committee official said Wednesday.

Around 70,000 volunteers will be recruited to work inside the Expo site and another 100,000 to staff more than 1,000 service centers around the city during the event, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors, said Ma Chunlei, deputy leader of the committee's Expo volunteer team.

Volunteers at the site must be at least 18 years old, and will act as interpreters, information advisors, assistant receptionists, and assist physically challenged people. Those at the service centers should aged over 16, and will help with information, first aid and etiquette awareness.

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Each volunteer must agree to work for at least 14 days during the Expo, which starts on May 1, 2010, and runs for 184 days. They should also obey the law and regulations of China, and be in good health.

The organizer will provide volunteers with insurance, uniforms, equipment and meals. It will not pay for accommodation for those from abroad.

People from abroad can apply online at en.expo2010.cn or call +86 219 620 10. An English language service is available.

The deadline for applications is December 31.