Woodford Green with Essex Ladies pair Dan Awde and Shana Cox have been named in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland squad for the inaugural IAAF World Relay Championships.

The duo have been included in a 24-strong team which will compete in the championships in Nassau, Bahamas between May 24-25.

Awde, 25, a two-time British Olympian, has been selected as part of the men's 4x400m relay team, whilst Cox, 29, is included in the 4x400m women's team.

Cox also competed at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, coming fifth in the women's 4x400m relay alongside Christine Ohuruogu, who is selected for the Relay Championships.

The top eight teams in both the men's and women's events will automatically qualify for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said: "These championships provide a vital opportunity to prepare teams capable of winning medals at this year’s European Championships and future senior major championships.

"The team selected is a blend of experience and youth and one that I am sure will rise to the occasion of this unique format.

"These championships also provide a good opportunity for our relay squads to qualify for the 2015 World Championships."