RESIDENTS in East Bury are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play a part in the Commonwealth Games.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help running next year's sports extravaganza which is coming to Manchester.

A special Volunteer Programme has been set up to attract people and give them training to BTEC level, which will also boost their employment prospects.

Funding for the programme has come through the Single Regeneration Budget. it will help individuals in East Bury, especially unemployed youngsters and those from ethnic minorities, to be part of the Games experience. The course will be run by Bury Council and Bury College. It will give an introduction to the leisure industry and the Commonwealth Games 2002, cover customer care and first aid, as well as health and safety and emergency procedures.

Councillor Steve Treadgold, youth spokesman, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for the young people of East Bury to be involved in what will be a brilliant occasion for the region and the whole of Britain.

"The Volunteer Programme will provide a course which will look at enhancing social skills as well as allowing individuals to gain vital experience and knowledge which will serve them well in years to come.

"Hopefully the involvement that young people have with the Games will provide a vital stepping stone into long term career opportunities, especially within the leisure industry."

Some 15 colleges across the North West are taking part in the new Volunteer Programme and working with the Games organisers to open volunteering opportunities to as many people as possible.

The first 30-hour course will start on Wednesday January 24 at the New Kershaw Centre, Bury and is free.

For further details or to register, telephone Andrina on 0161 253 6345. Also you can call at The Youth Information Shop at 144 The Rock, Bury, click onto the www.commonwealthgames.com web site or use the telephone helpline 0800 511 111 each weekday from 4pm to 10pm.

Coun Treadgold added: "With more athletes from more nations taking part in more sports than ever before, this is a chance to be part of a spectacular event which will be a once in a lifetime opportunity."