A TUG of war team is getting set to fly the flag for England at the sport’s world championships.

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

It’s a massive achievement for the club which will now compete in the men’s 720kg category at the world championship competition.

The contest is taking place in Spain’s Basque country, and will run from September 15 through to 19.

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

Essex TOWC was founded in 2019 by club members who had success competing in the sport through the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

As some members of the team were becoming too old, they decided to create Essex TOWC.

Since then the team has achieved numerous victories at competitions around the country and attended the national championships in 2019 and this year.

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

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

Supporters who would like to know more about the sport or get behind Essex’s home-grown talent are invited on the day.

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 a 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