Entitled “Runners”, the programme is aiming to recruit around 4,000 volunteers for both the World ParaAthletics Championships and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships.

Recruitment for the volunteers began today, with members of athletics clubs and the general public urged to register their interest here, with details of the application form due to be sent in the autumn.

Selection centres will then take place before the end of the year, with successful applicants confirmed at the start of 2017.

Asher-Smith, who became the first British woman to dip below 11 seconds for the 100 metres last year at the London Olympic Stadium when she clocked 10.99sec, has called upon volunteers to apply.

The 20-year-old, a 2014 world junior champion, previously volunteered at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and has now emerged as a potential medal hope for Britain at Rio 2016, having finished fifth in the 100m at last year’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

“I volunteered at the London Olympic Games and it was an amazing experience, it was magical to be part of the whole occasion," Asher-Smith said.

“I would say to everyone that they should get involved in London 2017 because it will be one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

“The athletes at London 2017 will produce incredible moments which will last a lifetime – but it is the volunteers who will make the event feel truly special.”

Among the roles on offer will be helping with transport, way-finding, meet and greet, and accreditation throughout the 20-days of the competition, set to be held across July and August.

It is hoped that around half of the selected candidates will be from grassroots athletics across the United Kingdom, with the aim to reinforce their desire to remain involved in the sport after the Games.

The World ParaAthletics Championships are set to be held in the same city as the IAAF World Championships for the first time in its history next year, with 39-year-old Whitehead admitting that it could be the ideal way for him to retire in front of a home crowd.

Whitehead is firstly targeting success at Rio 2016, having been named in the British squad last week, where he will hope to defend the men’s T42 200m title he won at London 2012.

He will begin as the clear favourite heading into the event as the reigning world and European champion, with the defence of his world title set to follow at London 2017.

The Briton hopes that the volunteers will be able to replicate a similar atmosphere to the highly successful Games Maker programme at London 2012, during next year’s Championships.

“The Games Makers were instrumental in creating the incredible atmosphere at the Paralympic Games," Whitehead said.

“Their sense of fun and level of professionalism made the event come alive in a way that had never been seen before.

“It gave such a positive endorsement for Paralympic sport on a global platform and I am both grateful to and passionate about supporting the volunteer programme.”