MELKSHAM-BASED slider Laura Deas has been named in Great Britain's six-strong skeleton squad for this month’s World Championships in Konigssee, Germany.

Deas, who finished seventh at last week's World Cup meeting in Igls, Austria, joins Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold in the British party for the final World Championships before next year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Yarnold won World Championship gold in 2015 but missed last season’s competition after taking time away from the circuit.

Deas and Donna Creighton complete the women’s line-up, with both having represented GB at last year’s Worlds in Igls, where they finished 11th and 18th respectively.

“The World Championships are the showpiece event of the season and I’m delighted that we have qualified six sliders for this year’s competition,” said GB Skeleton Performance Advisor, Andi Schmid, after his team achieved their maximum quota courtesy of having a trio of athletes within the top 30 ranked men and the same number within the top 25 ranked women.

“The World Championships and next month’s final World Cup event in Pyeongchang have always been our primary focus this season and we are confident we can produce some good results in both events.

“Both Lizzy and Laura have been on the wider podium this season and Donna has a lot of experience at this level.

“We have a proud recent history at this event and we have every intention of ensuring that continues.

"We know that we face a tough challenge but we want to put down another good marker as we are now exactly a year away from the Winter Olympics.”

The International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation World Championships take place on February 17-26, with the skeleton action scheduled for Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26.

The women race on Friday and Saturday, with the men competing on Friday and Sunday.

LAURA DEAS LOOKS AHEAD TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THIS WEEK'S WILTSHIRE TIMES, OUT ON FRIDAY