GREAT Britain's leading young athletes will compete in an international meeting in Ashford this summer.

The Julie Rose Stadium has been chosen for the second time to host the prestigious Norwich Union Under-23 match beteween Great Britain and France on Saturday August 2.

UK Athletics' performance director Max Jones was delighted to see the fixture return to Ashford. He said: "Athletes are always keen to compete at Ashford because the venue lends itself to good performances.

"This Norwich Union Under-23 International forms an integral part in the development of our athletes, bridging the difficult gap between junior and senior level competition."

Directors of the Julie Rose Stadium are delighted UK Athletics has chosen Ashford for the event.

A spokesman said: "It will be an exciting occasion that will bring great prestige to the town at a time of rapid population growth."

When the fixture was previously staged at the stadium in 1999, Great Britain won a closely-fought combined senior and under-23 fixture by only four points.

Among the notable athletes competing in that meeting were 400m runner Du'aine Thorne-Ladejo and long jumper Jade Johnson.

This year's meeting may give several local athletes the chance to represent Great Briatain on their home track.

Ashford AC's Natalie and Hannah Olson, Great Britain Under-20 international Lisa Dobriskey and Scottish international Gary Carr could all be involved.

The GB team will be selected following the Norwich Union World Trials and AAA Championships in July .