PRINCE Edward will officially open this year's Commonwealth Youth Games which are being held in the Isle of Man.

His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex is the vice patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation and will attend the opening ceremony on September 8. 

It will be the Earl's fourth visit to the Isle of Man and will see him speak to the hundreds of athletes who will travel to the Island from 67 Commonwealth countries.

Geoff Karran, the chairman and games director, said: "We are delighted that His Royal Highness will officially open the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.  We are grateful for the support of the Earl for this prestigious sporting event and look forward to welcoming him to the Isle of Man."

The Commonwealth Youth Games will take place between September 7 and September 13.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Bowl Stadium in Douglas. The closing ceremony, also to be held at the Bowl, will take place on September 12 and will see the ceremonial Quaich – a Scottish two handled drinking cup and a symbol of the Commonwealth Youth Games - handed over to the next host nation Samoa.

Tickets are available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, the Villa Marina reception or via the ticket hotline on 01624 600555.