THE Commonwealth Games have entranced everyone -- athletes, media, spectators and volunteers.

But one volunteer in particular has had a smile on her face since the Games began.

To say that Pam Cliff, a retired PE teacher from Harwood, is enthusiastic about her contribution to the Games is perhaps a slight understatement.

"It's absolutely fantastic," she enthuses. "The atmosphere is electric and I'm enjoying every minute of it." Pam, aged 64, knew she wanted to be a volunteer as soon as it was announced Manchester would host the Games. As soon as the application forms were posted on the Internet, she applied to be one of the 10,000 volunteers.

She says the past 11 days have been "just incredible" and her time at the City of Manchester Stadium have been filled with excitement.

"I'm a transport operations assistant," said Pam, "which basically means I'm responsible for getting all the buses and official cars -- and the people in them -- in and out of the stadium as swiftly as possible.

"There's anything between 30 and 50 of us in our group on any shift. We look after athletes, media and VIPs. Everyone's been so friendly -- although they're bound to be, seeing as they're greeted by a smiling volunteer."

Pam reveals her favourite "charges" are the VIPs who seem to take everything in their stride and always have time to say hello.

"The BBC's Gordon Burns is lovely," said Pam. "He will be shoved on to any available bus.

"But Sue Barker is really looked after. She arrives and leaves in a special BBC car with blacked out windows. She always seems to be rushing. She's not rude though, just very professional." Pam also revealed a few home truths about the athletes.

"The majority of them are absolutely wonderful," she smiled, "so polite and obviously delighted to be here. But I wish I could say the same for some of the other, shall we say, larger teams."

On a more serious note, Pam reveals that security for the Games has been incredicly tight.

"Everyone has to be checked -- apart from The Queen and Tony Blair. You cannot gain entry into the stadium unless you've been properly screened."

It's obvious Pam has loved her time at the Games, but even she doesn't know the details of the closing ceremony.

"I honestly don't know what's planned," she said. "Everyone is keeping extremely tight-lipped."

After the Games, Pam will carefully pack away her uniform and famous flat cap -- apparently much coveted by the athletes -- and leave her legacy of the Games to the city of Manchester and its people.

She explained: "When we were recruited, each volunteer was sent a square of material and asked to personalise it. This has been sewn into an 8m tapestry that will be erected in Manchester after the Games.

"I already know that every time I see it, it will bring back some wonderful memories."

Pam's Commonwealth Games diary:

May 10, 2001: filled in application form on the internet

October 6, 2001: interview at the volunteer centre in Albert Square -- needed to provide two referees, driving licence and proof of age

February 2002: got the job! Received a letter of congratulations and a "welcome to Crew 2002"

April 22, 2002: orientation evening for 10,000 volunteers at the MEN Arena

May 30, 2002: transport team training session, met management and other officials

July 4, 2002: collected accreditation pass and uniform

July 13, 2002: venue familiarisation day

July 25, 2002: we're off! Start of the 17th Commonwealth Games. And I'm part of it!