A TALENTED young quartet of fighters from the News Shopper region have been selected to compete in the 2010 GB World Cup at the NIA in Birmingham early next month.

The two-day extravaganza on October 2 and October 3 showcases the sport’s elite fighters, this year featuring the women as Italy hosts the male equivalent on the same weekend.

A 24-strong British team will compete including the Dartford-based trio of Kelly Edwards and Gemma Howell, who campaign at under 48kg and under 57kg respectively, and 70kg star Scarlett Woolcock.

Charlton’s Gemma Gibbons, who’ll take to the mat in the under 70kg division, completes the quartet.

Former gymnast Edwards, 19, the number one British fighter in her weight category, will make her GB World Cup debut as she continues to flourish on the senior stage.

“It’s been a long-time coming, I’ve watched it for a few years and to be selected to compete there is a big thing for me,” said Edwards.

“To compete at such a major event in Britain is great preparation for the athletes with the 2012 Olympics coming up.”