BROMSGROVE and Redditch Athletics club will be represented at the Commonwealth Games as racewalker Sharon Tonks tackles the gruelling 20k event.

The 32-year-old athlete is determined to make the most of her first Commonwealth Games and is proud to represent the town club.

"The club have been very supportive and helped out with physio's fees," said the Webheath racewalker.

"It's difficult to get sponsorship, particularly for a sport like racewalking but they've helped as much as possible."

Manchester is the biggest stage for an athlete who has only previously competed in weekend internationals.

But after pulling out the stops to qualify for the third racewalker's spot, Tonks is excited.

"I was rated third in the UK but still had to meet the qualifying time, which took a personal best from me," she added.

"I had a really good season with PBs across the board and I just want to enjoy the whole experience.

"The 20k is hard because after 15 kilometres you feel pretty rough.

"I would like a personal best and just want to know I have done my best, I don't want to go to the biggest event of my career and have a stressful time."

Tonks will be competing in the long-distance event around Salford Quays on Sunday.

Marathon runner Bev Hartigan will be flying the flag for Alvechurch in Manchester.

The Birchfield Harrier won bronze at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in the 1,500m and will be hoping for success over the longer distance after London Marathon star Paula Radcliffe opted out of the event to concentrate on the 5,000m.

The 35-year-old is familiar with the city after recording a personal best time of 27min6sec to finish fourth in the five mile Great Women's Road Race a month ago.

The part-time teacher won selection for the games after completing the Berlin Marathon in 2hrs 36min.

Hartigan tackles the marathon, which goes through Manchester City Centre, on Sunday.

And Wythall could have a real medal hope in the shape of discus star Glen Smith.

The 30-year-old is a Birchfield clubmate of Hartigan's and is gunning for a podium finish after battling back from a hip injury.

The former Solihull AC member suffered the injury last month but says he is confident ahead of his third Commonwealth outing.

And with a fifth place finish at Victoria in 1994 and fourth at Kuala Lumpur four years ago he is hoping to go at least one better.

"It will be a very high standard," said Smith, "the South African Franz Kruger is the world number one but I am hopeful of a medal.

"There's no point going thinking I want to finish sixth or eighth."

Fresh from claiming runners-up spot in the nationals, Smith competes in the qualifying pool on Friday with the final in the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday.