FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS result in a string

[geokumpuckal]

Dear All
I have a query something like this in a SP
SELECT
@p_USER_ID AS USER_ID,
PROCESS_LINK_ID,
@p_PROJECT_NAME AS PROJECT_NAME,
REFER_ITEM,
OCCURRED_TIME,
PROCESSED_FLAG
FROM
TBL_ALERTS AS ALERT
WHERE
ALERT_ID =1
FOR XML AUTO, ELEMENTS

I am using SQL Server 2000

Is there anyway by which I could get the result of it in a varchar or nText variable....

Any help is welcome.I am really in a perplexed situation. Pls HELP !!!!

I am looking for something equal to :
Declare @XML XML
SET @XML = ( Select * from pubs..authors Authors FOR XML AUTO,ELEMENTS )
Select @XML

which is said to be available in SQL SERVER 2005

Thanking in advance
George