Three Houghton-le-Spring athletes feature in a track and field squad of 47 selected by the British Paralympic Association for the Sydney Games which take place from October 18-29.
The trio are Nicola Jarvis (21) who won bronze in the wheelchair 100 and 200 metres at the Atlanta Paralympics in 1996, along with two track athletes who have cerebral palsy - 200 and 400 metres runner Leslei Allison (19) and British 100 and 200 metres record holder Hazel Robson (20).
In 1966 Britain won 12 gold, 14 silver and 16 bronze. The performance target this year is to win between 15 and 20 golds.
British Paralympic chief Helen Potter said: "We have a great balance between young talent and experienced athletes in the team going to Sydney.
"Our performance in athletics will be extremely important if we are to push into the top three on the overall medal table and give the Aussies a run for their money."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article