THE Queen - and a full supporting cast of rather younger icons - brought the curtain down on the biggest and most successful sporting occasion ever held in England.

Millions of TV viewers worldwide watched a spectacular closing ceremony as the Commonwealth Games headed off to its next venue - Melbourne.

There were brass bands, Coronation Street stars, rap music, serious speeches, a spectacular light show seen from the air, stars of the rock and pop world, and even a surprise appearance by Pop Idol Will Young.

The organisation and the people of Manchester were all praised for what was described as the "best ever" Games.

Needless to say, after several days of sometimes fantastic weather during the Games, the final night extravaganza was greeted with typical Manchester weather - rain!

The spin off for other areas has been tremendous - a staggering quarter-of-a-million people have visited Bolton during the 10 days of the Games.

In the centre of Manchester itself more than one million people have watched the competitions at the athletics stadium, aquatic centre and cycling arena.

Throughout the Games Manchester has been packed with crowds taking in the sights and enjoying the entertainment supplied by street entertainers.

Ticketless fans have been descending on Manchester's squares to watch events live on huge screens.

It has been a bonanza for merchandise, too, as spectators formed long queued to pick up a souvenir of the Games.

Jackie Brock-Doyle, communications director for the event, said: "It was brilliant to see people turn out for the great sporting events that were happening around the city and just as heartening to see them watch on the big screens in Exchange Square and Piccadilly Gardens. The city was buzzing.

"We hope that the up-beat attitude continues even after the Games finish. The North-west has a lot to offer."