Britain's athletes were today told they must win at least 10 medals at this summer's European Championships to prove they're on course to reach their target at the 2012 Olympics.

The target of between 10 and 15 medals for Britain at the athletics event in Barcelona in July has been set by UK Sport as part of their pathway towards 2012.

British swimmers are also expected to win 35 medals at the Commonwealth Games in New Dehli in October, with other Olympic sports participating in world championships this summer being set a target of 31 medals.

UK Sport chief executive John Steele said that overall Britain remains on course to match their fourth place in the 2008 medal table at the London Games.

Steele said: "The targets we have agreed are challenging but are indicative of the gradual increase in momentum towards London 2012.

"If these targets are achieved they will signify further progression towards achieving our overall aspirations in 2012."