MANCHESTER's 10-day Commonwealth Games extravaganza kicked off with great style, panache and just that bit of Becks Fizz writes Chris Sudlow

The announcer said: Whoever you are, and wherever you are - welcome to Manchester!

He didn't also say what a great show Manchester would put on for the world!

With that introduction, more than 500m TV viewers throughout the world watched a spectacular Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to launch what is being described as the biggest sporting celebration ever held in Britain.

But the star of the show was seriously ill six-year-old Kirsty Howard.

Kirsty, who was born with a heart condition, was chosen to hand the Jubilee baton over to the Queen after its epic journey through 24 countries.

David Beckham, who last season led her on to the pitch at Old Trafford for England's vital World Cup qualifier with Greece, introduced her to the Queen.

Billions of pounds have been poured into the city since the IRA bomb blast decimated its centre and winning the Games has signalled a determination to overcome that massive handicap,

The opening ceremony was the highlight of a night of great achievement for Manchester, and all of the North-west. It could also help London's future Olympics bid!

Dancers and other performers joined hundreds of local schoolchildren in the televised spectacle which included light shows, fireworks displays and star acts.

The Red Arrows formation team flew over the stadium to great cheers, and then the teams from all the competing countries began their big parade

And then the party, which will last for 10 days, with events at Bolton Arena and Rivington, began in style, with athletes of all ages dancing and laughing the night away

"There's a disco going on out there, " said BBC TV's respected commentator Barry Davies.

And it's far from finished yet, Barry!