Ennis and Buck part of strong British line-up

The 26-year-old Sheffield heptathlete will defend the pentathlon title she won in Doha two years ago as she continues her build-up to the London Olympics.

Ennis won the national high jump and 60m hurdles titles in her hometown 11 days ago and continued her strong form by setting a personal best in the long jump in Birmingham last weekend.

Richard Buck, 25, ran a personal best of 45.88 secs to win the 400m in Birmingham and seal his place in Istanbul in the individual race and the 4x400m team.

Buck, from York, is a four-time medallist at major international indoor competitions.

Great Britain and Ireland will be represented by a 39-person team for the championships which take place between March 9-11.

Reigning 5,000m world champion Mo Farah has been included to run in the 3,000m despite losing in Birmingham over two miles at the weekend.

UKA head coach Charles van Commenee said: “This is a strong team and one that can realistically challenge for medals and make finals.”