SIX members of the Westhoughton Muay Thai Boxing Club are preparing to set off for an international competition in Thailand.

Aged between nine and 17, they will represent England at the International Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival between March 8 and 17.

The annual event is held at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, and people from more than 40 countries are expected to take part.

Brendan Walsh, who runs the Westhoughton club with his wife, Mandy, said: “They’ll get to fight in the homeland where the sport comes from, and it doesn’t get better than that honour.”

As well as the six members of their club, Brendan and Mandy will be coaching the whole England contingent, which includes Thai boxers from Oldham, Huddersfield and London.

The competition is split between age and weight categories, and Brendan is confident all six members of his club can come away with medals.

“Eight or nine months ago all our juniors were doing quite well and we put the offer there to go, and they all jumped at the chance,” he said. The club has amassed enough money to pay for the trip from fundraising events and sponsorship, including a £900 sponsorship deal for 12-year-old Jessica Mason, who will be joined by Sam Finch, Macey McGowan, Alfie Kearsley, Bobby Merrit and Jack Dunn in Bangkok.