THE official Commonwealth Games rose has made its first appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show.

"Simply The Best" has been named Rose of the Year.

Olympic and Commonwealth gold-medal winning sprinter Linford Christie was guest of honour at the launch.

The flower is a hybrid tea rose, described as burnt mandarin tinged with yellow, with glossy dark foliage and a wonderful deep perfume. It will soon be in bloom in parks and gardens in Bolton and the rest of Greater Manchester.