A Stockport Harrier is set to compete in the Rio Paralympics.

Wheelchair racer Carly Tait has been selected by the British Paralympic Association to join the Paralympic GB team and compete in the T34 – 100m.

The 30-year-old, who recently returned from the European Championships in Italy with two silver medals, had expected to be on the reserve list so was delighted to be called up to represent the country.

Before joining the Harriers just four years ago, Carly rarely participated in sport, but was inspired to completely overhaul her once unhealthy diet and lifestyle after watching the London 2012 games.

Her employer, the Co-op, has given her a paid career-break to help give her the chance to chase her dream and train and prepare properly.

Carly, who lives in Baguley, said: “The news of my selection is just unbelievable. It is a dream come true for me.

“I never realised the opportunities that existed for disability sport, my knowledge was limited and there was nothing I had seen that I could relate to until the attention of London 2012 opened my eyes.

“I can’t thank people enough for all of the support and encouragement, and anything I can do to raise awareness of the benefits of disability sports in order to help others I will do.

“The early starts and winter nights training in Stockport seem a long time ago now. My focus now is to be the best that I can be and make everyone proud”.

Meanwhile, two other Stockport athletes are set to compete in the Olympics.

Ross Millington, 26, from Woodsmoor will compete in the 10,000m.

Ross won the British 5,000m trials in 2012, was the number one cross-country runner in the UK last year and claimed a silver medal in the European under 23 athletics championship.

Team GB hockey captain Kate Richardson-Walsh MBE, 36, meanwhile, is also set to compete in Rio, four years after the team won bronze at London 2012.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, leader of Stockport Council said: “Good luck to all those athletes that have links to our borough that are competing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016.

“I wish them and all of Team GB the best of luck in their events”.