Mick Jones ended a 13-year wait when he was selected for the World Championships.

The hammer thrower from Crawley celebrated his 38th birthday on Monday a few days early with his first major international call-up since the Seoul Olympics.

Jones was devastated when overlooked for the Games in Sydney last year as he did the qualifying distance after the cut-off point for selection.

He said: "I am so happy. It's been a long time coming. I can't believe it.

"For thirteen years I've kept going, determined not to roll over. What happened last year was a bitter blow but I was determined to rise above it.

"It is no use dwelling on the negatives, you have to be positive and give it a go."

Jones has been unbeaten in Britain for four years.

He said: "I think the selectors took that into account as well as what happened last year and unanimously selected me.

"I believe you should send your best competitor in each event and I am the best in Britain by a long way.

"My personal best is 76.43. The nearest to me has only thrown 73.30 metres and the one behind him is 70.33.

"I was annoyed last year when a fencer was selected after I had achieved the qualifying distance.

"The cut-off for the fencers were different to the athletes and I don't think that was fair. But now I'm over that and on cloud nine."

Jones hopes he will not be alone as far as Sussex is concerned in the British team.

He said: "Pole vaulter Nick Buckfield and 400m runner Sean Baldock I hope will make it when the selectors name the rest of the team next week."

Jones will board the plane for the championships next Thursday.

He said: "I don't even know the time of the flight yet, but one thing for sure is that I will be on it."