Hammer thrower Nick Miller admits he cannot wait for the World Athletics Championships after the Cumbrian booked his place with a fifth British title.

Miller, 26, needed to finish in the top-two in the final at the Müller British Athletics Championships last Sunday at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium to seal his spot. He did so with a throw of 76.31m which earned him the win.

"It was really hot in the stadium with little shade, so it was a tough day. I did what I needed to do to win, though, and also secured my selection for the World Championships in Doha [in Qatar]," he said.

"I had already thrown the qualification distance of 76m a number of times but, to be certain of selection, each athlete had to come either first or second at the British Championships, so I made sure I did this.

"I’ve had lots of messages of support from family, friends and athletic fans which has been great, as it really spurs you on."

It means Scotby man Miller can now step up his preparations for the World Athletics Championships, held from September 28 to October 6.

He said: “Preparations for Doha have been my focus this season and, because it’s late in the year, it means it’s a long season.

"So, training plans have had to be adapted. Hopefully, me and my coach Tore [Gustafsson] have got this right, so I will be in good form in October.

"Everything is going well at the moment, so I’m feeling hopeful and I’m excited.”

But, before then, Miller has been selected to represent Europe against USA in Minsk, Belarus, on September 9 and September 10.