MORE than 11,000 Commonwealth Games volunteers have been togged out in shell suits and flat caps in the largest distribution of uniforms in UK peacetime.

Members of 'Crew 2002' lined up to collect their regulation lilac and black tracksuits as they prepare to man the UK's biggest sporting spectacualr in Manchester next month.

Games organisers have already sprinted to defend the uniforms, the crowning glory of which - a brown flat cap - caused outrage at its launch in March.

But the Games' kits, created for ASDA by former Next designer George Davies, were greeeted with dismay by business leaders and style icons.

After seeing them modelled by Coronation Street star Suzanne Jones who plays factory girl Karen McDonald, Patrick I'Neill - editor of society magazine Cheshire Life - said: "They may have well as crowned the uniform with Ena Sharples hair nets.

"Any connotation with the flat cap image of the North is putting the clock back 50 years.''

ASDA - one of the main sponsors of Manchester 2002 - were asked to create a uniform that is comfortable, stylish and practical and captures the spirit of the Games.

The casual uniform, to be worn by 95 per cent of volunteers at the Games, comes in three distinctive colours - red for medics, jade for technical officials and purple for general staff.

Each jacket carries a label signed by HRH The Earl of Wesses, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, with the message: "Thank you - we couldn't have done this without you."

Chief designer at ASDA, Beth Watson, said: "This was a challenging project for our design team - to create an outfit which will be worn by 16-80-year-olds, with sizes ranging from XXS to XXXXL, which also needed to be practical, stylish and adaptable for all weathers.

"We've based a number of the items on some of our best selling styles from in store but we are particularly pleased with the design of the Mancunian flat cap which could become a collector's item after the Games."

Chief executive of Manchester 2002, France Done, said: "Crew 2002 are the ambassadors of the Games and it is important that they are easily recognisable as they carry out their Games time role.

"I'm sure everyone will wear these stylish uniforms with pride as they represent our city this summer."

Over the next four weeks the 11,000 staff and volunteers will get their uniforms, a Commonwealth Games branded bag, water bottle, rainproof poncho and umbrella.

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs will carry the Commonwealth baton into Manchester on Monday, June 24 - the day before the start of the Games.