Four Bury men are set to represent Great Britain at the FIMBA Maxibasketball European championships in Italy, in June.

After trials and a selection process, players Phil Matthews, John Lindsay and Mike Nichols have been picked for Team GB on the over-50s category.

t Great Britain in the O50 category in the upcoming European championships in Pesaro, Italy as players.

They will be joined by local coach Graham Herstell, who has been selected as part of the Over-70s set-up.

All four men have a wealth of experience between them, including competing in National League Division One, coaching at national and international level, as well as mentoring up-and-coming talent in the Bury area.

Maxibasketball was created in Argentina, in 1969 and is aimed at veteran players over the age of 35.

In 1991, the first World Maxibasketball Championships took place in Buenos Aires with 32 teams from right countries. This year’s European tournament, in Pesaro, will see more than 40 countries vying for gold.

Between now and June, the three players will train once a month and compete in events to hone their skills in preparation for the championships.