TOP bookmaker Fred Done has rolled out the red carpet for five of Greater Manchester's rising sports stars.

The Salford-based millionaire teamed up with the M.E.N. to give the five-star treatment to judo trio Michelle Rogers, Sophie Cox and Natalie Barry, gymnast Mark Freeman and table-tennis player Andrea Holt.

They have flown to the world- renowned Club La Santa in Lanzarote, run by Fred's travel company Sports Tours International, to sample the best possible training facilities ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games.

The £50 million complex, which opened in 1986, has played host to a who's who of international sports stars.

Olympic and world championship gold medal heroes like Linford Christie, Jonathan Edwards, Steve Cram and Colin Jackson, have all used the facilities in the past.

Three time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent and fellow rowers James Cracknell and Luka Grubor are regular visitors to the resort, while Frank Bruno and soccer stars from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have all benefited too.

Facilities

The facilities include a 50 metre Olympic size swimming pool, 10 tennis courts, indoor sports halls, squash and badminton courts, and a cycle centre.

There is also a unique windsurf station, several state-of-the-art gyms, football and rugby pitches, an outdoor basketball court, and even a golf driving range.

European silver medallist Rogers, from Swinton, 26 today, said: "It's an amazing complex and is perfect."

British champion Cox, 20, from Littleborough, added: "This is a golden opportunity and I'm loving every minute of it. The facilities are mind-blowing."

THERE will be distinct African flavour to both the Men's and Women's Manchester 10km run tomorrow.

Kenyan duo Erick Kiplagat and Benson Matheka, along with the South African pair of Ned Molema and Thembelani Zola will run in the men's event after recently contesting the Blaydon Race in Newcastle.

The quartet were all under 30 minutes then and organiser Graham Jackson is anticipating another scorching time when they line up in Albert Square.

"It is a great boost to have runners of their calibre running in the race," he said. "We are delighted to have attracted them and I think we'll be seeing the winner go under 28 minutes.



Salford Harrier Beth Allott is expected to mount the strongest home challenge in the women's event.

The route is the same as last year, starting outside the Town Hall and finishing by the Castlefield Arena.