CHERIE Blair will be appearing at a literary dinner being held in Manchester as part of the Commonwealth Games' cultural programme.

The Prime Minister's wife will be joined by veteran journalist and broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald at the fund-raising dinner next month which also launches one of Europe's largest literary festivals -- and the most ambitious event of its kind held in the North-west.

The pair will join literary figures and celebrities from the entertainment world at the Gala Legacy Banquet at Manchester Town Hall on June 17.

The event is one of the highlights of the massive programme of cultural events taking place around the county in the run-up to the 2002 Commonwealth Games. The glittering black-tie evening will be preceded by a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Manchester. As well as Cherie, speakers will include Booker-prize-winning author Margaret Atwood and Poet Laureate Andrew Motion.

Proceeds will go to fund permanent bursaries for students from Commonwealth countries at Manchester Metropolitan University's Creative Writing School. Organisers hope to raise £20,000 to launch the fund. Tickets are £150 or £1,350 for a table of 10. A third of the tables have already been sold.

The festival features more than 100 writers from throughout the Commonwealth for seven days of performances, talks, readings and discussions. For further details telephone 0870 787 0037.