Hayley Hawes has been selected to represent Great Britain at an event in London.

Hawes, 34, from Heybridge, has been a keen runner all her life and completed several triathlons and endurance events.

A relatively new event to the general public, called an aquathlon, is being showcased at the ITU World Triathlon Series, September 11-15, in Hyde Park.

And it is this event, combining a one kilometre swim and a 5km run, that Hawes will be taking part in.

She will be in the 30-34 age group category.

Hawes said: “I’m very proud to have been selected and to represent my country, even though it is not elite level Olympic selection.

“I’ve taken part in a lot of triathlons in the past and always struggled with the bike part of the discipline.

“I’d get to around 20km and be caught so the Aquathlon will be perfect for me.”

There will be over 5,000 athletes participating during the five days of competition, with Hawes’ Aquathlon being on the first day and Olympic brothers Jonathan and Alistair Brownlee racing in the Grand Final on September 15.

Hawes is a member of the East Essex Tri Club and won her spot at Hyde Park by meeting the required time at a selection event.

The one kilometre Serpentine swim will be the longest distance in the water that Hawes has covered in competition but she’ll have plenty of support on the big day to provide motivation.

Hawes said: “Usually the swim is 750 metres so this distance will be slightly harder but I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve always ran and done triathlons but to do it at an event of this size is something else.

“My family and friends will be there and they’ve always given me plenty of encouragement.

“After the event, there is a open top bus parade through Central London and it will be fun to be part of it all.”