WITH only 500 days to go Ashi Arora is aiming to make Manchester's Commonwealth Games a winner. Ashi who is deputy president of the Manchester Junior Chamber of Commerce, is planning ahead for what will be her duties as president during the showcase event of the year.

The legal executive, of Heathmore Avenue, Lowton, has been a pro-active member of the chamber since 1993.

She has been at the forefront of promoting its activities as secretary, international secretary and now deputy president.

Ashi who works for David Blank Furniss said: "I am delighted that the Games will be coming to Manchester in 2002 coinciding with my year as president. Not only is it an exciting time but there will also be many challenges to ensure the Games' success and an ideal event for the Junior Chamber to be actively involved in promoting Manchester.

The Games will run for 10 days from Friday July 26 to Sunday August 4 and more than 5,000 athletes will be welcome from 72 countries.

Ashi said: "Manchester has undergone a miraculous transformation following the bombing and has built on its rich heritage reflecting its passion for sport, music and the arts."

Ashi is also keen to swell membership and can be contacted on 0161 832 3304.