Commonwealth champion Kelly Sotherton starts her preparations for a major championship double when she competes at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead next month.

Sotherton, the heptathlon bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympics, was one of England's success stories in Melbourne, winning her first gold medal at a major games.

The Birchfield Harrier is now aiming to complete a golden double at the European Championships in Gothenburg in August, and she will kick start her domestic season in the long jump at Gateshead.

Sotherton said: "I've been desperate to get back competing again after the gold medal in Melbourne, and it's great that there is a big UK Athletics meeting to kick the season off."

Jason Gardener, meanwhile, has set his sights on claiming the 100 metres title at the European Championships.

The ''Bath Bullet'' failed to make an impression at the Commonwealths because of injury but is gearing himself to succeed Dwain Chambers as European champion.

Gardener said: ''I said even before the Commonwealths my major aim this year would be winning in Gothenburg.

''My training's going really well and I'll start my season by competing in Oslo and then Belgrade before appearing at Gateshead.''

The 30-year-old will face Commonwealth champion and joint world record holder Asafa Powell at both the Bislett Games on June 2 and at Gateshead.

Gardener will also face Justin Gatlin, who equalled the Jamaican's world record a fortnight ago in Doha.

He insisted: ''Everything is geared to be in the best possible shape for the Europeans. It's a title I have always wanted to win."