Blackpool athlete, Shelly Woods, is set to compete in one of the world's biggest sporting events this year after a call up for the England Commonwealth Games team.

The 19-year-old from Layton will head to Melbourne in March to take up a place in the 800 metre wheelchair race at the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, which hosted the 1956 Olympics.

It caps a successful year for the Blackpool Council leisure services worker, who won the disabled sport person award at last month's BBC sports awards in Manchester after claiming victory in the Great North Run, second place in her first London Marathon and European Championships bronze.

"My selection was based on my performances on the track this year," said Shelly: "I think it's great - it gives me an excellent motivation this winter! It's also another opportunity to give me another major games experience on the way to the Paralympics in Beijing 2008."

Cllr David Owen, cabinet member for leisure at Blackpool Council, said: "Shelly is a gifted sports person who deserves continued success. We look forward to following her achievements in 2006."

The heats take place at the 100,0000 capacity stadium on Tuesday, March 21 and the final takes place on the penultimate night of athletics competitions, Friday, March 24.