Hundreds of competitors from 10 countries are descending on Folkestone on Saturday for an international youth tug of war tournament.

The annual GENSB Youth International Tug of War Tournament was founded in 1998 by Germany, England, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium – the name comes from the first letter of each country.

This year’s contest is at St Martin’s Plain. There will be 550 competitors from 10 countries taking part.

The spirit behind the tournament is to bring young athletes aged between 12 and 19 together to compete at an international level. The tournament involves both boys and girls.

The five founding countries take it in turns to host it.

Tug of War Association spokesman Alan Knott said: “We are very excited to welcome again the GENSB tournament to England.

“It is always a great weekend for our young athletes to come along and get some international competition.

“This tournament is a great advert for youth tug of war and also demonstrates that young people can work hard and achieve if they put their minds to it.”

Eight English tug of war clubs are taking part. The tournament starts at 11am.

For further information go to www.tugofwar.co.uk