Cumbrian Nick Miller is ready to take on the world’s elite and has vowed: “I will do my best to bring home a medal to Carlisle.”

With the World Athletics Championships getting under way tonight, two of the biggest star attractions will be in action as Usain Bolt takes part in the 100m preliminary rounds before Mo Farah goes for gold in the 10,000m event.

Scotby hammer thrower Miller, who spent this week at the British Athletics’ team training camp in Paris, will start his bid for world championship gold on Wednesday.

In the build-up to the event, Miller took a step back from his busy schedule to rest up for the championships in London.

Miller told The Cumberland News : “I’ve had a busy season so far with lots of training, travel and competitions, so it’s been great to have time to train properly, relax a little and focus solely on what I need to do at the championships.

“Being away with the team helps to prepare you mentally and emotionally as there’s a positive vibe.

“Things like getting your official kit and having the team photo helps, too.

“It’s all a kind of build-up to the main event, which I’m really excited about. My heats are on Wednesday, the final is on Friday and the medals are handed out next Saturday – I definitely plan on being at all three dates!”

The 24-year-old has enjoyed plenty of good results this summer and came third in the hammer event at the European Athletics Team Championships, while he won at the World Championships Team Trials in Birmingham.

He said: “My training is going well so I’m feeling optimistic. I feel strong and well-prepared, so I will do my best to bring home a medal to Carlisle.”

Miller has already enjoyed success on the international stage in the UK, winning Commonwealth Games silver in Scotland in 2014.

“I know the home crowd will be behind me as I can remember what that was like in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games,” Carlisle’s Miller added.

“The roar helps to lift your performance as it gives you more confidence. I know in the crowd there will be lots of my family and friends supporting me. No doubt, they’ll have their Union Jack flags waving and will be wearing Union Jack hats.”