STEEPLECHASE runner Stuart Stokes is Bolton's best chance of being represented on the track at the Commonwealth Games.

With sprinter Amy Spencer and middle distance runner Chris Mulvaney outside bets to make the England team, Stokes is the leading hope of flying the Bolton flag in Manchester this summer.

The 25-year-old British number one knows only injury, illness or a nightmare performance at the trials next month can deny him his chance of a lifetime.

"If I don't make it I will have mucked it up big style," he admits.

"But I'm taking nothing for granted and all my focus is on qualifying first and then worrying about the Games later."

It is typical of the British athletics system that Stuart cannot direct all his energy and attention on his sport. Despite being England's top athlete in his event he has to combine his career with a four-days-a-week job as a special needs assistant at Withins High School.

Thankfully he has a sympathetic employer in Withins headmistress Val Malcolm, who gives him all the time off he needs to fulfil his running potential.

And, with the Commonwealth Games imminent, he needs all the time off he can get.

He has had two months altitude training already this year and plans another week before the Games and admits: "I could not have done what I have done without the help and support of Val Malcom and the school in giving me time off."

The Bradshaw man was brought up a Bolton Harrier where he trained under the guidance of coaches Ian and Debbie Hales before switching to Sale Harriers five years ago to get better quality competition.

His progress has left him England's outstanding 3000m steeplechaser and top candidate to lead the host nation's team in the event at the Games.

He has already achieved the qualifying time of 8 minutes 40 seconds with ease. But he must finish in the first three in the Games trials at the City of Manchester Stadium on June 15 and 16 to secure his place.

"On paper I should qualify pretty comfortably," confirmed Stuart who has just returned from training with all of Morocco's top athletes including steeplechase world record holder Brahim Boulami.

"If I don't do anything wrong it should be okay. It's down to me and I'm totally focused on the trials.

"Only one other runner has got the qualifying time and the other guys in the frame are a good 10 seconds behind me. I would have to have an absolute nightmare but you never know what's going to happen so you have to keep focused.

"I have had such a good year that people already assume I have qualified and they are already buying their tickets to watch me. That puts extra pressure on me but that's all part of sport and I have got to handle it."

If he qualifies Stuart will face a stamina-sapping Games with organisers crazily scheduling the two steeplechase races - the heats and then the final - just 24 hours apart.

"It can't be sensible not to rest between the two races but you learn to deal with it," added Stuart.