A STRONG group of young farmers are set to make history as the first Cumbrians to compete at an unusual international sporting event.

A team from Grayrigg are taking part in the European Tug of War Championships in Amsterdam after showing-off their pulling power at regional events.

They will go toe to toe with 45 teams from across Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium and one team member is adamant that there will be no slacking off.

"We're going there to win," said Tom Pearson, 17, from Windermere.

"The aim is to win but if not it'll be good for Cumbria that little Grayrigg has gone over there and done well."

The team fly to Amsterdam on Friday, August 28, where they will check-in at Summercamp Heino before weighing in at 6am the following day.

Organisers have stated that the tournament will begin at 11am on Saturday, August 29, with the final scheduled for 4pm.

They will be up against it as most European teams have a different technique and even wear specialist shoes to give them more grip on the turf.

"We have a different style to them," said Tom, who hopes his team's raw strength will guide them to victory.

"They hold the rope lower and to the side and keep really low. They're more stamina focussed and we're about power.

"Hopefully they won't be expecting us to just go for it."

Grayrigg are entering a mixed team which includes three girls - Hannah Dodgson, Emily Atkinson and Daisy Wilson - and extra weight allowances will be granted the team.

But Tom has warned their opponents that they can expect the girls to be 'just as good as the boys'.

Jayne Knowles, of Selside, who will be travelling with the team in a managerial capacity, said: "It's a tremendous experience for them because we've never gone this far before."

She also thanked the Westmorland County Show and North West Auctions for helping to sponsor the trip.