Scottish sprinter Doug Walker: "It's been a long hard seven months"

And the 26-year-old European 200m champion told a packed media conference of his "total relief" following governing body UK Athletics' decision to end his suspension.

Walker was suspended after traces of banned substance nandrolone were found in his urine in an out-of-competition test last December.

But on Wednesday, the charges were dropped by a three-man disciplinary committee.

A statement from the authority said: "The ingestion of the substance was of a wholly innocent and accidental nature. Clearly no systematic doping was involved."

Walker has been given the all-clear to compete again, but he says his comeback will probably need to wait for next season.

"It's been a long struggle and I'm just relieved it's all over," said Walker.

"It's been a long seven months and obviously has been playing on my mind every day. I've no explanation for it at all.

"I had a few friends and family over last night and we drank some champagne. They have supported me all the way and we got quite drunk.

"I can't see myself back on the track this season because I just want to do myself justice.

Sample registered positive for nandrolone

"I've still been training every day just to get away from it all but I lack the competition experience.

"I'll get into my winter training programme sooner than normal and then set my sights on the Olympics."

Confirmation of Walker's acquittal came as a welcome present on the day of his 26th birthday.

His legal team is now seeking talks with UK Athletics over a compensation package for his loss of earnings.

"Today is not about compensation, but it will need to be discussed at another time and place," said Walker's lawyer Nick Bitel.

Suffered tremendously

"Doug has suffered tremendously both emotionally and financially.

"I've already spoken with UK Athletics Chief Executive David Moorcroft and he knows that we will need to talk at a later date.

Dougie Walker talks about what he will do now

"Athletes are the aggrieved party here, and I strongly believe cases should not be made public until innocence or guilt is declared.

"Diane Modahl nearly destituted herself when she tried to clear her name, and that cannot be allowed to happen again."

Relief for Scottish sprinter

The governing body had to restructure in the wake of the Modahl case after fighting off bankruptcy.

Athletics chiefs will be keen to settle the case quickly, but they will also be concerned by the increasing number of positive tests for nandrolone.

UK Athletics chief David Moorcroft: "Time for independent doping agency"

There are theories that the substance can occur in the human body naturally.

Mr Moorcroft said: "It costs the athletes and the sport massive amounts of money to conduct these cases - but what's the alternative?

"It's important that the sport continues to protect innocent athletes from those who break the rules."