Chris Mitchell and Jessie Aru

Chris Mitchell and Jessie Aru will be aiming to bring to life on air the countries, the cultures and the stars of the Commonwealth Games during their BBC 2002 programme "A Bit of Culture."

Each weekday morning between 10am and 1pm they will be focusing on one Commonwealth country each day, with guests, music, packages on food and a Rough Guide to the country in question. And in Icons, they'll be featuring people from the Commonwealth who have made an impact in Britain and the world. Their complementary talents will combine to give a pacy and informative programme mix.

Chris Mitchell

Chris Mitchell has a window on the world already, having worked for the BBC's World service for the past few years. Initially, he tried teaching as a career, then worked in a betting shop and even picked lettuces to make a living. But he admits: "Radio was where I always wanted to be."

So having completed a Media Degree in London, failing at pop stardom and being rejected as a greyhound racing commentator, Chris got a job at the BBC. It was a lucky break.

For the last two years, he has been been presenting an education programme for BBC World Service.

Now over the next six months he'll be co-presenting A Bit of Culture on BBC 2002 97.7FM and says: "It's going to be a challenge but also an opportunity to learn about people and places that may have passed me by. It's going to be an eye-opener and it's going to be fun."

Jessie Aru

Jessie Aru has a different kind of track record, following a successful GB junior athletics career, concentrating on the heptathlon and triple jump events.

Jessie, born and brought up in the North West, originally began training to be an electronics technician. But after a brief stint working on a community radio station in her native Liverpool, she realised she not only had a passion for sport but also for the media.

From there she moved to London to combine her passions, studying a media degree at Southbank University and subsequently a Postgraduate in Journalism. Whilst studying she freelanced for a number of media outlets including BBC Radio Merseyside, The Voice, The Journal and The Weekly Gleaner.

Following her studies, she began work for the BBC, working across community affairs, sport and entertainment. She had a stint working at BBC Sport Online, then returned to BBC London to work on their new sports service, working across radio, television and Online.

Jessie says: "The Games will be a massive event for Greater Manchester and as I'm mad about sport, I'm looking forward to being a part of it."