Ashley Kelly competed at Glasgow 2014 and Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

The British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC) have announced that they will be represented by ten athletes at April's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

Ashley Kelly, a 400 metres runner who competed at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Rio 2016 Olympics, is the headline name on the list.

She will be joined by fellow Glasgow 2014 athletes Chantel Malone, a long jumper, and Eldred Henry, who competes in discus and shot put.

Twin sisters Trevia, in discus and shot put, and Tynelle Gumbs, in discus and hammer, have also been selected on the athletics team along with 400m runner Khari Herbert, 400m hurdler Kyron McMaster and 100m sprinter Tahesia Harrigan-Scott.

Glasgow 2014 participant Joe Chapman and 55-year-old Neville Sorrentino will represent the British Virgin Islands in the singles and doubles squash events.

BVIOC President Ephraim Penn congratulated the athletes on their selections.

"We have a restriction on the number of athletes that can take part in the Games based on our past participation, and the selected sportsmen and women should be justifiably proud that their hard work and commitment has paid off," he said.

"We are excited to be heading off with what is perhaps one of the largest and strongest teams to represent the territory at these Games."

Xavier
Xavier "Dags" Samuels died as a result of the natural disasters in the British Virgin Islands last year ©BVIOC/Facebook

Ephraim also commented on the difficulties that the August floods, and Hurricanes Irma and Maria, caused to the territory's sports facilities last year.

He paid tribute to former athletics head coach Xavier "Dag" Samuels, who died due to injuries he suffered during Hurricane Irma.

"We highly commend and congratulate all those selected and look forward to the positive impact a successful Games will have on the morale of all our athletes and the territory," he said.

The team's Chef de Mission Mark Chapman added: "I visited the Gold Coast 2018 venues at the end of 2017 and was impressed with the facilities that await our athletes.

"Australia is a long-haul trip and many of our athletes will begin their journey in a few weeks so that they can settle in, acclimate and get on with their training regime ahead of their events.

"I am in regular contact with the athletes and coaches both directly and through the national federations to ensure that everyone is informed and well prepared for these exciting Games."

Gold Coast 2018 will take place from April 4 to 15 in the Australian city.