COLNE'S Steven Burke helped Great Britain to a sensational world record as they defeated in-form Australia for gold at the Track Cycling World Championships in Melbourne this morning.

Burke did not feature in the quartet for the qualifying round but came back into the line-up for the final against the hosts.

Australia had been regarded as the favourites for the gold at London 2012 by many after their recent form.

But the British team of Burke, Ed Clancy, Pete Kennaugh and Geraint Thomas sent a real message ahead of the Olympics as they claimed victory in a stunning three minutes 53.295 seconds, setting a new world record.

Australia were edged out with a time of three minutes 53.401 seconds.