British 400m runner Richard Buck has announced his retirement from athletics in order to take up a career in acting.

The 28-year-old helped Great Britain's relay team to win gold at the European Indoor Championships two years ago.

"I will be seeing this season through to the end before hanging up my spikes," said Buck in a statement. "In accepting this place on the Acting Masters at Birmingham School of Acting, I will also be retiring as an athlete.

"It was always my plan to run through until Rio 2016 or London 2017, however, I always said that I'd be flexible to other opportunities which came my way.

"Although this has been a tough decision, I feel that it is the right one. I believe you've got to give yourself entirely to your pursuits, and so I had to make my decision."

Buck's final scheduled race is set to take place in Copenhagen on August 5.