Cyclist Kris Hedges was given the honour of carrying Bermuda's flag as the Commonwealth Games was officially opened in Manchester, England, last night.

Hedges, a professional with the Snow Valley team in the USA, headed the 25-member Bermuda squad at the brand new City of Manchester Stadium.

Joining the parade was Bermuda's favourite son and Manchester City striker Shaun Goater - the Island's official attach?.

Britain's five-time Olympic rowing gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave got proceedings underway by banging a ceremonial Malaysian drum, handed to Manchester at the last Games which was held in that nation four years ago.

There then followed a dance routine featuring hundreds of children dressed in brightly coloured outfits.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, dressed all in green, then took centre stage, with the playing of the National Anthem followed by a fly-passed from the Red Arrows, who trailed red, white and blue smoke across the dusk sky.

Other dignitaries included British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, while Bermuda's Premier Jennifer Smith and Chief of Staff and Government Senate Leader David Burch were also in attendance.

Bermuda emerged to a large ovation resplendent in dark blue blazers and red Bermuda shorts, with Hedges and Goater leading the way - Goater being the first Manchester City player to set foot in what will be the club's new home in 200.

For Bermuda, last night was for relaxing, smiling and soaking up the atmosphere in front of a crowd of more than 30,000 people.

But that will all be forgotten as the Island's competitors experience the heat of competition over the next ten days.

Games kick off - Sport, Page 37