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Charles Allen, Chief Executive of Granada Group, is to become national chairman of the Games while Rodger Pannone, Senior Partner of Pannone and Partners Solicitors, is to become chairman at regional level.

Mrs Hoey, who toured the city last month, predicted the event will be a 'fantastic sporting spectacle' and was impressed by the work done so far in Manchester including developments at Crumpsall's Heaton Park.

The park will be the venue for the bowls and work has started in preparation for a new stadium to be built to house the sport.

Manchester City Council, Councillor Richard Leese said: "Manchester has made tremendous developments towards the 2002 Commonwealth Games. We are benefiting from an ever-increasing array of wonderful sports facilities where we will enjoy the largest multi-sport event ever seen in this country.

"There is a robust business plan and an exciting sports programme developed under the direction of Robert Hough and Sir Rodney Walker and we thank them for their exceptional achievements. We have sponsorship packages agreed and others under negotiation.

"Now we are moving into the next phase - the delivery of our event - and we are delighted that Charles Allen and Rodger Pannone are to take up these vital and exciting roles."

Mr Pannone, who will take particular interest in fund-raising, was proud to be involved in the world-class event.

He said: "The Commonwealth Games is far more than ten days of top-quality international sport - it will leave a lasting legacy to the North West of sports venues, of achievements in organisation and an immense pride in our region."