Some 6,000 volunteers have qualified to serve at security checkpoints around the Beijing 2008 Olympic venues, Li Hong, an official from the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, said last week.

"Training and selection is still underway, but we expect about 7,000 volunteers to be on duty helping out with security during the Games," said Li, who is in charge of the volunteer training.

The recruitment drive started in March last year. Candidates have been trained in various skills including handling explosions, detection procedures, security-check etiquette, English language skills, and psychological countermeasures. Many worked on pre-Olympic test events last year.

A strict process of examinations has been set up to ensure every volunteer has mastered the security check skills so that spectators can pass through checkpoints with as little fuss as possible.

At least 800 people should be able to pass through each channel per hour, while vehicle inspections should be completed in under two minutes.

Yu Ju is one of many volunteers who who feel lucky to have been selected.

"As the last line of defense to guarantee the safety of the Olympic venues, I know how important my job is," said the 22-year-old university students.

Recalling her experience of working at Wukesong baseball field at last year's pre-Olympic test event, she said the workload was intense.

"We were the first to arrive at the venue but the last to leave," Yu said. "After working for 16 hours on one shift, I felt totally drained when I returned to my dormitory at midnight."

"Although the work is tiring, I still expect to serve in the Olympics," said Yu, who was assigned to work at the Capital Indoor Stadium in August.