Pistorius is the world record holder in three Paralympic events

Four-time Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius has praised the record crowds at the World Cup in Manchester.

A crowd of 5,500 turned out at the Regional Athletics Arena on the opening day to see Pistorius win double gold.

It makes the crowd the largest ever audience for a live disability athletics event in the UK.

"I think the turnout is maybe 50 per cent more than last year and you couldn't ask for anything better," Pistorius told BBC Radio Manchester.

The South African dominated the 100 metres and 400 metres, taking both titles in his class, with Northern Ireland's visually impaired sprinter Jason Smyth winning the 100 metres and 200 metres.

Pistorius was impressed with the support for all the competitors: "People who come out here are really interested in the sport, getting more and more involved, clapping and shouting. And there were lots of kids which I also think is really important.

I've just got to build my confidence and this event's done quite a bit for that Oscar Pistorius

"It's one of the highlights for any Paralympic athlete and I had a good time mostly because of the people who came out to support the events."

Double amputee Pistorius is hoping to qualify for the 400 metres at the able-bodied Commonwealth Games in Delhi before bidding to reach the 2012 Olympics and believes the World Cup has been vital for his preparations.

"Physically I'm in phenomenal shape. I think mentally I've got a bit of work to put on my game. I've just got to build my confidence a bit and this event's done quite a bit for that."

He added: "I think coming off last year I didn't have a great year so it's going to take me two or three races before I'm prepared for the season, but my times are looking really good so I'm very happy."

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