Twelve hopefuls from Sussex compete in the biggest multi-sport event ever staged in this country when the Commenwealth Games begin in Manchester tomorrow.

Big stars like Olympic gold medallists Ian Thorpe and Jonathan Edwards are taking part, but some lesser known names from the county will be hoping for a slice of the action.

The county's best chances of picking up medals lie in the hands of competitors like Jo Goode (badminton), Linda Charman-Smith (squash), Mick Jones (hammer) and Frances Hislop (hockey).

Some competitors are just happy to be there and Joel Kidger hopes history will continue to repeat itself.

The 22-year-old, from Ardingly, earned a late call-up to the England team for the 800m when Simon Lees broke his foot.

Twenty years ago, Kidger's coach Chris McGeorge got into the 1982 Brisbane Games because a team-mate pulled out injuredand he went on to win a bronze medal.

Kidger said: "Perhaps I can go two places better!"

"I can't believe the coincidence, although in Chris' case it was a badminton player, not a runner, who got injured. I was fourth in the trials and as only three are selected I thought that was it.

"Then I heard Simon had broken his foot and I began to hope. But you can only be sure when you get the call and fortunately for me it came. It's not the nicest way to be selected and I sympathise with Simon but I'm excited and delighted."

Brighton's Claire Smithson should be under no illusions as she prepares to compete against seniors at international level for the first time in her career.

The teenage shot-putter should gain valuable experience and has a chance to overcome the disappointment of finishing ninth in the World Junior Championships in Jamaica last week.

One of the fascinations of the Games is that it offers ordinary people the chance of fame in off-beat sports.

Take walker Gareth Brown, from Steyning AC, who is one of three athletes from the club going to Manchester.

Brown shaved 11 minutes off his personal best to finish the 50km Commonwealth trials in April this year in 4hr.16 min.

It came at a cost. He said: "I had two red socks when I finished. I couldn't wear normal shoes for about a week and had to go to work in sandals."

Club colleague Don Bearman, 36, is intensely proud to be representing his country in the swansong of his walking career and plans to bow out on a high by retiring after the games.

He said: "I'm just happy to be in it and proud to be part of a team. I'm pleased for Steyning too. To have three athletes from a sleepy village competing is quite an achievement."

Niobe Mendez, who lives in Poole but trains with Steyning AC, completes the trio from the club who have headed north.

Elsewhere, 3000m runner Patrick Davoren can expect a lukewarm reception back in Ireland if he does well.

The Brighton-based runner declared for Great Britain and England in March 2000 and has received some stick for the decision back in the Emerald Isle.

He said: "I do not go to Ireland much. I live over here and I am an English athlete now. It's a greater honour to compete for England than Ireland because it is a lot more difficult to get on the team."

Jo Goode believes she can come back a second time after havin a baby to win gold at the Commownealth Games.

The 29-year-old won three events four years ago after giving birth to son Jack.

Now the Bognor badminton ace goes for glory in the ladies doubles with Gail Emms and the mixed doubles with Simon Archer in following the birth of daughter Molly last year.

She said: "Coming back last time made winning three gold medal very special.

"To comeback again and succeed would be pretty amazing.

"I wasn't even sure whether I'd be selected. In April my form wasn't that good and I was carrying too much weight. But my badminton has improved, so have my partnerships.

Frances Houslop revealed her battle with dyslexia has helped her reach the Commonwealth Games.

Dealing with word-blindness has made her stronger and able to overcome obstacles She's had to work harder than most and the sweat and toil, harnessed to a precocious talent, put her on the fast-track into England's hockey squad for Manchester.

Houslop, 20, from Horsted Keynes, said: "I learned at school that a C for me was the equivalent of an A. I've always had to try that bit harder. Maybe that's where a lot of what I've done and achieved so far all comes from. Dyslexia is something I've always had to deal with and managed to deal with.

"It shows up in different ways. In my case, it's bad spelling, being a slow reader and having an erratic memory. At school I found different ways to revise for exams. I'll record a lesson and listen to it later.

"With hockey I find it easier when things are diagramatic, like the coach setting out cones or writing things up on a board.

"I've always found a way of dealing with it and because of the way I am I get through it.

"You could say its a test of character. It hasn't been a huge struggle, but if I wasn't the way I am it might have been."

Linda Charman is going for gold adespite domestic trauma.

The world top five squash ace from Hailsham has revealed her marriage to Dion Smith has broken up.

But she said: "Domestically it has been a difficult time but I'm trying to use it as a positive where I'm clear to concentrate on the next stage of my life.

"I'm happy, training hard, finished the season off in good form and believe I can win a doubles gold with Fiona Geaves and perhaps add a singles bronze at the games."

Charman, 30, from Hailsham, reached the quarter-finals in the singles and doubles when squash made its games debut in Malaysia four years ago.