Two-time World Championship bronze medallist Lee McConnell has been awarded the top level of funding by UK Athletics for the forthcoming year.

Glasgow-born McConnell won 4x400m bronze in Helsinki and Osaka in 2005 and 2007, while Paralympic silver medallist Libby Clegg has also been handed maximum funding.

Former world junior champion Steph Twell, 20, and 400m hurdler Eilidh Child, 22, have been awarded development status.

“To have such a strong set of athletes on the programme really pays testimony to the depth of talent we have within the UK,” said UKA head coach Charles van Commenee.

“With these athletes available for international team selection, 2010 with World Indoors, European Team Championships and European Championships is certainly something to look forward to where we can build on the progress of 2009.”