AIRPORT staff are bracing themselves for the biggest free bus and taxi operation ever to be launched at Ringway.

A fleet of coaches, lorries and limousines will transport more than 11,000 athletes, officials, VIP and media from Manchester Airport to the city's Commonwealth Games Village and hotels.

Around 40 volunteers, wearing the distinctive event uniform, including peaked cap, will be on hand to greet the travellers.

Around 100 coaches and buses will be used.

Dave Officer, who is co-ordinating the task, said: "There will be a coach waiting for everyone as they arrive at the airport."

Each coach will be accompanied by a lorry carrying the athlete's luggage.

Chauffeur-driven cars will transport top officials. "There will be absolutely no waiting times for VIPs," Mr Officer said.

On some days, 500 VIPs are expected and to ensure the operation runs smoothly, each volunteer will be supplied with two-way radios linked to a central control.

Some of the visitors will be transported to Bolton. The BBC has fully booked the Holiday Inn hotel close to Bolton Arena, Horwich, which is the Games venue for badminton.

Cyclists will be taken to Rivington, where events will take place on three of the Games' 10 days.