Tim Bayley believes he paid the price for a long, hard season after missing out on a place at the European Athletics Championships.

Bayley failed to claim the third and final 800m spot in the Great Britain squad for the trip to Gothenburg next week when he could only finish fifth at the Norwich Union Grand Prix on Friday night.

Richard Hill, who Bayley finished ahead of at the European trials, was given the nod by the British selectors following his win at Crystal Palace but the 25-year-old from Brighton believes it was the correct decision.

Bayley said: "Friday was a race too far for me and when the others passed me I just couldn't respond. It was my 14th 800m race of the season and considering you are supposed to peak at your eighth then it is not surprising I was feeling tired.

"I was pretty upset to miss out because I really want to go to a major championships but if I am realistic things have probably worked out for the best as I need some time off.

"Okay, I beat Richard at the trials but I think it was fair enough to have a re-run because he has achieved the fastest time in the UK this year. He showed what a good runner he is on Friday and good luck to him at the Europeans."

Claire Smithson strengthened her claims to have her lottery funding reinstated after bettering her Sussex discus record for the second time in a month.

The Brighton and Hove City athlete had to turn down the chance to compete at the European Championships next week due to financial reasons.

The 22-year-old AAAs champion, who was dropped from the UK Athletics funding programme in November, threw 56.73m as she finished second at the Throwsfest in Birmingham behind UK No. 1 Philppa Roles.