COMMUNITY minded people are being to put their names forward to help out at this year's Manchester Mela.

The Mela is taking place on the weekend of July 20th at Platt fields Park. This year's mela will be extra special for the city as it takes place alongside the Commonwealth games.

Organisers are hoping to attract tens of thousands of visiters to the mela with emphasis this year on 'Community'. A central community marquee will take pride and place at the mela and there is an opportunity for young and old from around the region to help out with proceedings over the two days.

All helpers will receive training and a job reference for their efforts as well as getting paid. They will recieve free family tickets and an opportunity to mingle with the stars. The 'BBC Talent Find' are looking for people who have organisational skills and an ability to communicate with the public.

Daood Akram, Business Development Manager, told Asian Image, "We want to highlight the benefits of social education and the similarities betwen different communities."

"This year's mela is very special and I feel with so many people attending we have a should have a social objective to ensure everyone here and from around the world feels welcome."

"The Rusholme area is one of the highest concentration of Asian business in Europe. Based in one of our most vibranty cultural qaurters the Mela is one of Manchester's major attractions during the Commonwealth games."

As well as the central community marquee, new features at this year's mela include a dedicated production management facility, a huge jobs fair and enhanced investment in artists and performers.

Being so close to Manchester's 'Curry Corridor', will also mean big business for the 148 businesses based on the stretch. Already it is believed 60,000 people visit Rusholme every week.

Rusholme generates £85 million per annum for the City of Manchester, second only to the city centre.

For further information on how to become a helper/volunteer for the Mela call 0161 2257900.