AN Essex tug of war club are set to represent England at the Tug of Ward World Championships.

Following its performances at competitions throughout the season, the Essex Tug of War Club (TOWC) based in Tolleshunt Major, Maldon, has been selected to represent England.

Essex TOWC will compete in the Men’s 720kg category at the sport's world championship competition.

It will be taking place in the Basque Country, Spain, from September 15 to 19.

The Tug of War World Championships will see the best teams from all over the globe battle it out to be crowned the best in the sport.

The Essex TOWC was founded in 2019 by club members who had success competing in the sport through Young Farmers.

As some members of the team became too old to compete in Young Farmers, they decided to create Essex TOWC.

Since then the team has achieved numerous wins at competitions around the country and attended the National Championships in 2019 and 2021.

After this year's national championships, England’s Tug of War Association selected Essex to represent the country at the world championships.

With training underway the self-funded team need to raise £5,000 in order to get to the world championships.

So far the club has raised £1,765 on its Go Fund Me page.

Fundraising will kick off with Essex TOWC hosting a tug of war competition on August 15 at Spain’s Hall in Finchingfield.

More events are soon to be announced.

The competition is open to spectators on the day.

Whether they would like to know more about the sport or get behind Essex’s very own home-grown talent, all are invited.

Speaking about their selection, team member, Owen Embleton said: “It is huge honour to be selected to represent our country and we are delighted to have achieved this so soon after establishing the team.

"We are delighted that what started out as a group of friends participating in sport we love has evolved into a team that is capable of competing on the world stage.

"Our training for the World Championships is now in full swing and we hope that we can do our country proud.”

To support their fundraising efforts go to gofund.me/fea2fafa