A NORTH-EAST student and a lecturer are hoping to boost England's chances of medal success in the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Johanna Jackson will be competing in the 20km race walking event, with high hopes of a medal in her first major competition.

The 21-year-old, from New Marske, is in the third year of a creative digital media degree at the University of Teesside.

Senior lecturer in physiotherapy Julie Sparrow will be preparing the country's athletes with her physiotherapy skills.

As well as running the camp where each of the athletes will spend time preparing for the games, Ms Sparrow will also be on hand to assist the athletes throughout the event.

Miss Jackson, who receives financial assistance from the university's Elite Athlete Fund, said: "I've competed in the European Cup, but this will be my first really big tournament. I train at least six days per week, with Redcar Race Walking Club. It's hard work, but worth it.

"I cant wait to get to Australia and compete at the highest level. It's going to be a great experience and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."

Ms Sparrow, who trained in physiotherapy at the then Teesside Polytechnic, in the early 1980s, is no stranger to international competitions. She has worked with athletes in two previous Commonwealth and Olympic Games, as well as many gymnastic tournaments and World Championships