KERRY Gillibrand became the first East Lancashire athlete to qualify for this year's Commonwealth Games after becoming the second English finisher in the women's 1,500m trial at the City of Manchester Stadium.

It will be 25-year-old Kerry's first major Games and she was quick to dedicate her success to her parents Rita and Greg.

Rita died while on holiday in Barbados in March, and although it was a great regret that she wasn't there to share the moment, proud Greg was in the stands to receive his daughter's broadest smile at the end of the race.

Kerry started her athletic career with Hyndburn Athletic Club as Under 11 Kerry Smithson, and trained at the club under Paul Beech.

When she reached the Under 17s, Paul suggested she join an elite club to fulfil her potential and she chose National League outfit Sale Harriers.

She still lives in Baxenden and moved just round the corner from her family home after marrying Accrington accountant Mark Gillibrand last September.

She keeps in touch with her old team mates and Hyndburn AC Chairman Ian Coffey watched her race.

"It's fantastic news, I'm really suited," he said. "She deserves it especially after what happened to Rita - she's worked so hard."

Gillibrand, a Great Britain and England international, did not have to chase the qualifying time of 4mins15secs having a 4:13 to her credit already, so when Helen Pattinson of Preston Harriers set the pace in the final she held back to track the other English women in the field.

"I knew what I had to do," she explained afterwards.

In the final straight she outsprinted Sarah Bull of Derby Ladies to clinch the place in 4:14.53. Pattinson made it a Lancashire double, winning the race in 4:08.66.