THEY could have chosen the sporty baseball cap, or even a crown design to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee year.

But designers working on the official Commonwealth Games uniform decided on something more down to earth -- and topped off their creation with the humble flat cap.

It may not immediately conjure up images of fit and athletic sports people, yet it is hoped the multi-sports event will do for the flat cap what Volkswagen did for out-of-favour Skoda cars.

For Lancastrians, it is a welcome move. Bolton steeplejack and TV personality Fred Dibnah has already thrown his cap into the ring by giving Games organisers the big thumbs up.

And if the plethora of younger stars queuing up to wear the garment are anything to go by, the flat cap is well on the way to making it big in the fashion stakes.

Recently Pop Idol winner Will Young, former Posh Spice Victoria Beckham, film star Samuel L Jackson and singer Robbie Williams have been happily sporting the Northern favourite.

They join the merry band of oldies -- including Norman Wisdom and Richard Wilson's Victor Meldrew character -- who have long seen the sense in keeping their heads warm beneath the timeless classic.

Fred said: "I can't see nowt wrong with them. They keep the rain from hitting your head and are worn by all sorts of people including country gents.

"Some flat caps can make you look like a pillock but if you get the right one, they're much better than those baseball caps from America. I've worn a flat cap since I was 16 and there's no way I'll be getting rid of it."

The revival was the brainchild of designers at Asda who said the cap was a tribute to the Games host city, Manchester. They have also produced an umbrella and rainproof poncho in case the Games venues, which includes the Bolton Arena and Rivington for the cycle races, suffer from the region's often high rainfall.

The casual uniform is completed by a jacket, polo shirt and trousers and the full kit was modelled yesterday by Coronation Street's Suranne Jones, who plays bad girl Karen.

Beth Watson, Asda's chief designer, said: "We've based much of the clothing on some of our best selling styles, but we are particularly pleased with the design of the Mancunian flat cap which should become a collector's item after the Games.

"It's not a backward move. I think we'll find the caps will attract a lot of interest and prove to be a big hit."

More than 125,000 items of clothing and accessories will be made for Crew 2002, the name given to the volunteers and staff working during the Games.

FLAT caps may be coming back in vogue but not everybody in Greater Manchester will be wearing them with pride.

Bolton's Badly Drawn Boy -- Damon Gough -- prefers his trademark woolly hat, Manchester bad boy Liam Gallaghher like a floppy hat, and United's David Beckham tends to keep himself warm with a baseball cap.

Burnage bad boy Liam Gallagher is happier in a floppy creation, ideal for casting a shadow over his eyes on the day after the night before.

Shoppers back the Flat Cap Games

WE asked shoppers in Bolton town centre what they thought of the flat cap being part of the Games uniform.

Naturally, the flat cap wearers backed their favourite hats and most thought it would be very suitable headgear for the Commonwealth Games staff and volunteers.

NEVILLE Smith, aged 66, from Harwood, said: "I think wearing a cap is quite sensible and I've had one for 30 years. It covers a balding head if nothing else."

WALTER Orrell, aged 68, from Deane, said: "It might persuade my son-in-law to wear one. He's 34 and I thought it might be time he tried it -- but he just laughed at me."

who was with his wife Maureen,

BARRY Curtis, aged 54, from Southport, said: "The cap's traditional and is great for keeping your head warm. I think it's wonderful the Commonwealth Games people have cottoned onto it."

BRIAN Lawton, aged 64, from Breightmet, said: "I go Crown Green bowling and I'd never be without my hat. It has a strong sporting connection."

DAVID Williams, aged 78, from Radcliffe, said: "I've worn mine for 30 years. I don't know if it's a fashion statement, but it's sure to keep the volunteers warm."