SUPERMARKET giant Asda is set to pump £2 million into the Commonwealth Games next year.

The firm will design and supply uniforms for the event's 15,000 volunteers.

It will also second staff to manage the Games' merchandise shops in the Arndale and Trafford Centres and Manchester Airport.

Tony DeNunzio, Asda's chief operating officer, said: ''We're proud and excited to be playing a role in supporting next year's Games.''

He said uniforms would be provided by Asda's George division.

And he expected the firm to support the Games' "pre-volunteer" programme.

Asda's announcement takes the amount of sponsorship secured by Games organisers to around £35m.

Other high profile names which are supporting the event include chocolate maker Cadbury, computer giant Microsoft and Manchester Airport.

Frances Done, chief executive of Manchester 2002, added: ''To have a household name of the stature of Asda on board is another vote of confidence in the Commonwealth Games.''