MAX Whitlock is one of three Basildon gymnasts named in Team England's 2018 Commonwealth Games squad.

Whitlock, Commonwealth and double Olympic Champion, and Amy Tinkler, Olympic bronze medallist, both train at South Essex Gymnastics Club while Basildon-born Alice Kinsella has also been selected in the 10-strong squad of artistic gymnasts.

The artistic gymnastics competition will take place at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre from April 5-9. This year's Games is held on the Gold Coast.

Whitlock will be appearing at his third Commonwealth Games having already won eight medals previously.

He said: “I’m delighted to be going to my third Commonwealth Games for Team England and can’t wait to get out to the Gold Coast and begin competition. My Commonwealth Games experiences so far have been incredible and I’m looking forward to being a part of Team England again, aiming to win medals for my nation.

“The gymnastics competition, particularly between the Home Nations, is going to be intense and I know the whole team are working hard to be in the best shape to produce medal winning routines.”

Team England’s gymnastics team leader, Mike Weinstock, said: “We had some really strong competition for places on the England team.

"The team we have selected has a really good balance between youth and experience. I’m really excited to see what we can achieve on the Gold Coast in April.”

Team England Chef de Mission, Sarah Winckless, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the artistic gymnasts to Team England and I would like to offer my congratulations to the athletes selected.

"We have an extremely strong recent track record in artistic gymnastics which led to the amazing Team GB performance at the Rio Olympics. I look forward to working with everyone as they compete for Team and Country in April.”