The Commonwealth Games begins today – and Norfolk sports fans have plenty of reason to keep a watchful eye on proceedings Down Under.

Norwich Evening News: Shot put star Sophie McKinna, competing atthe 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Picture: PAShot put star Sophie McKinna, competing atthe 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Picture: PA (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Norfolk has Team England competitors in athletics, bowls and squash on the Gold Coast.

Arguably the highest profile locally are the athletes - Dereham high jumper Chris Baker, City of Norwich AC's Iona Lake, who competes in the 3,000m steeplechase, and Great Yarmouth shot putter Sophie McKinna.

Jamie Chestney – who was brought up in west Norfolk, but now lives in the west country – is in Team England's fours and triples bowls teams.

Chestney – whose wife Natalie is also in the England squad – won silver at the 2014 Games in Edinburgh.

Norwich Evening News: High jump hope Chris Baker. Picture: MARK SHEARMANHigh jump hope Chris Baker. Picture: MARK SHEARMAN (Image: Archant)

The bowls squad also includes Wisbech-born Ellen Falkner.

North Walsham-born Jamie Willstrop and Great Yarmouth-born Laura Massaro are both among the favourites for medals in squash – singles and doubles.