PRINCE Edward was guest of honour as delegates from across the Commonwealth gave their official seal of approval to Manchester's 2002 Games.

Last night 200 representatives of the participating countries were joined by Prince Edward for a dinner at The Mansion House in Tatton Park.

Guests were greeted by the Chairman of Manchester 2002 Charles Allen who told them: ''This is a sports-mad city and we are ready to party.''

He told the VIP guests that Manchester is in the midst of a new and exciting renaissance, and would seize this opportunity to host a Games of which all members of the Commonwealth could be proud. Earlier in the day delegates were taken on a tour of some of the prestigious venues which in 12 months' time will be packing in thousands of spectators.

A spokesman for the city's Commonwealth Games office said: ''There was no doubt about it. The delegates were immensely impressed by what they saw.

''The countdown has begun and in only a few months' time Manchester is going to be the centre of world attention, staging an event that will mark the highlight of the Queen's Jubilee Year, and most of all will be a tremendous celebration of sport and culture.''

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