Joshua Bain says medals will be at the top of his agenda when he makes his Commonwealth Games debut in Australia today.

The 22-year-old para athlete from Feering, will compete at the Carrara Stadium in the F38 shot putt, looking to make his mark at the Gold Coast event.

Bain said: “I would like to win myself a medal - the commonwealth for the three medals is highly contested it’s anyone’s game.

“From my few days out here I’ve realised what it means to be part of a truly inclusive team.

“The team is so friendly and it feels like a family we are all working together to support each other and it feels great to be part of such an amazing team.”

Bain, who won a bronze medal at last year’s IPC Athletics European Championships in Italy with a best throw of 44.18 metres in the F37 discus, says a strong team spirit has been evident among the Team England squad, on the Gold Coast.

He said: “Spending time with all the athletes has really built my excitement up and I feel when I get down to the village I won't be able to contain myself.

“This excitement and adrenaline I think can really push me through in competition.

“I think everyone is so happy to be here no matter what sport you do or how experienced you are.

“Everyone wants to help and everyone is proud to be part of this amazing team - the team has made if feel like a home, away from home.”

Meanwhile, Colchester’s Mark Lloyd saw his medal hopes dashed after England’s men’s basketball team were beaten in the quarter-finals by Canada.

Team manager Lloyd saw the side lose 97-79, as their progress in the competition was ended.

Entering the knockout phase of the competition, Andreas Kapoulas’ men will be left pondering what could have been after being eliminated from the tournament off the back of a first-half scoring spree from Canada who now advance to the medal rounds to face New Zealand.