KENT athelete Michael Skinner has won a place in the UK cross-country squad for the 36th IAAF World Championships in Edinburgh this month (March 30).

Skinner, 28, a member of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers, finished third in the UK trials at Nottingham on Saturday.

He said: “On the day I did the job well as the first four places meant automatic selection for the team.

"I had the phone call at the weekend to confirm my selection and it is great to be part of the Championship.

"Last year the event was held in Mombassa so the conditions will be a bit cooler – there is usually snow in Edinburgh when we race at this time of the year!”

Skinner achieved 63rd position (out of 260 competitors) in 2007 in a race generally dominated by the African teams.

This year the field includes five-time double World cross country champion Kenyan Kenenisa Bekele.

After the Edinburgh event Skinner will step up his track training as the former 1500m specialist hopes to win a place in the UK team for the Beijing Olympics this summer at 5000m.

He added: “I might have a short break and then perhaps aim for a track race in Stamford, USA in early May if I feel like I am in the sort of shape to do myself justice.

"Everything will then be focused on the Olympic trials.”