Nine local athletes are in training for one of the world's toughest competitions.

They are hoping to complete the 'Toughest Ironman in the World' triathlon - a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride, and a 42km run.

Team Cherwell members Brian Butler, Rob Strachan, Paul Sabin, Calvyn Hobday, Danny Haplin, John Hanson, Mark Winstone, Dave Roberts and Kim Harvey all expect to finish the course in less than 14 hours.

The event takes place in Lanzarote on May 26.

The team will fly out a week before the race to acclimatise, and will be joined by a group of supporters a few days later.

Team Cherwell offers anyone the chance to take part in multi-sport activities and operates year-round structured training programmes for adults, teenagers and children.

More information is available on their website www.teamcherwell.co.uk.

Donations and sponsorship cash supporting the team's Ironman bid will be given to the Critical Care Unit at Banbury's Horton Hospital.