A COMMONWEALTH Games volunteer today defended her new uniform after it made a dramatic appearance on Coronation Street and said: "I like it!"

Norma Horne, 47, of Waterfoot, was delighted to be accepted as a volunteer for the Manchester Games, which start later this month.

And as a fleet driver she has been provided with an identical purple and black outfit with yellow splashed sported Burnley-born actor Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris Cole in the Street.

The character was barred by the new acid-tongued Rovers landlady Lilian Spencer as Norris was showing off his uniform, which includes a flat cap, for the first time. Lilian branded it "a revolting little shell suit".

Norma is full-time carer to husband of 27 years Eric, who suffered four strokes in the last three-and-a-half years and now needs constant care.

As she donned the brightly coloured T-shirt and waterproof jacket she said: "I am quite comfortable in it. If you want to take part in the Games it has to be done!

"When everyone is dressed all the same they look very smart and at least people can recognise who you are."

But when she tried the black flat cap on she said: "I have never worn one in my life and I don't make a lot of this one.

"At least you can turn it around and I will be wearing it with the logo to the front!"

Eric will be going for a holiday to Fleetwood while Norma spends her respite-time working as a volunteer.

He said: "I think it is OK."

She also had the support of their daughters Amanda, 23, and Susan, 22, who have backed her all the way.

Norma said: "I wanted to do this as something for me and I am really looking forward to it. My family are pleased for me."

Norma will be a T2 driver, which means she will drive a Rover 75 chauffeuring VIPs, officials and elite athletes.

She will be working a 10-hour shift for five days followed by a two-day break and is on the rota from July 20.

Norma is an assistant Guider and also a volunteer driver for the Stroke Association.

She saw Granada filming the excerpts for Coronation Street and was also present when Prime Minister Tony Blair officially handed the stadium over and she got to shake his hand.

Norma said: "There are so many people I have yet to meet the same person twice!

"Even if I don't get anybody famous in my car at the end of the day I can turn round after the Commonwealth Games and say - I was there, I was a part of it."