COUNTY sprint ace Maria Lyle has been included in the Team GB squad for the IPC Athletics European Championships next month.

The Dunbar Grammar School pupil, who has cerebal palsy, was announced in the squad on Tuesday afternoon for the championships in Italy.

There are eight current world champions in the 49-strong squad, including Lyle who won gold as part of the relay team in Doha last October, while adding two silvers in the T35 100m and 200m.

Lyle finished both those races behind arch-rival Australian Isis Holt, and without her in the field in Grosseto, Lyle is among the favourites for the gold medal.

Lyle was also in the squad for the IPC Athletics European Championships in Swansea two years ago, where she claimed gold in both the 100m and 200m.

The county starlet was on social media to express her delight at being selected.

She tweeted: "Super happy to be selected to go to my second Europeans."

Experienced members of the squad come in the form of Richard Whitehead and David Weir.

Paula Dunn, Team GB athletics head coach, said: "We have picked a team consisting of vast experience, combined with plenty of potential, as we look ahead over the next few years including the 2017 World Championships in London and 2020 Paralympics.”

“Grosseto will give a number of athletes a chance to leave their mark in the build-up to Rio with others using it as a fantastic opportunity to learn and perform on a major stage.“

Iain Gray, East Lothian MSP, was among the first to pass on his congratulatory message to the 16-year-old.

He tweeted: "Well done @Lyle_Maria"

Lyle is expected to be named in the Team GB Paralympics squad for the Rio Games this summer.

She is tipped to medal in both the T35 100m and 200m, and will likely contest the gold with Australian Holt.