AN ATHLETE from Kent has been called up to the Great Britain squad for the World Youth Championships.

Michael Baker, from Lordswood, will represent his country in the 400m hurdles in Ostrava, Czech Republic from July 11.

Baker's selection was a formality after he had ran well within the GB qualifying time of 52.5sec in a race at The Hague, Holland, several weeks ago.

The 17-year-old is ranked sixth in the world at under-18s level, and is No.1 in this country. A total of 27 athletes have been picked for the squad – 13 boys and 14 girls.

Baker is the only Kent-based athlete.