Jo Davison has been inspired to go for gold by Mick Jones.

The European hammer record-holder from East Preston, who flies out to Melbourne next Tuesday (28th), has received practical and technical advice from the Commonwealth champion from Crawley.

Her father Eric said: "Mick has been very supportive. He offered to help increase the distance she can throw and he has certainly made a difference.

"But what he has also done is given her tips on what she needs to get sorted out. He's told her to take her own equipment and to find out where everything she requires, like a warm-up area, is as soon as she gets out there.

"Jo has had a lot of backing from the hammer fraternity in Britain. Dave Smith, a top thrower, has offered help. It is quite heart-warming. Jo does appreciates it. It's all very inspiring."

Jones has helped Jo improve her personal best in the hammer, which now stands at 44.64m.

Eric said: "The world record, held by American Heather Lightfoot, is only 45.35m so Jo will try to win the gold medal. But she will have to take on Heather for it."

The Worthing Harrier, who is also Sussex champion, broke the continental record four times in the space of two weeks earlier this year.

She only took up the hammer last year after an Achilles injury stopped her road racing. Jo is Britain's lone field athlete in Melbourne.