AN international of 16 years standing will this weekend be pushing his claims for a spot in England's squad for the World Games in Japan next August.

Fireman David Gill knows from experience that selectors will be watching closely as tug o'war aces battle out the National Championships this weekend.

David, of Stockton Heath, goes into the event on a high after winning his first Indoor title at the weekend.

Birchwood Fire Station's 43-year-old sub officer anchored an eight-man team from the Kilroe Club, Manchester, to glory in the AAAs Indoor Championships in Luton.

David said: "I have six gold medals from the outdoor AAAs and I took silver last year in the AAAs Indoors so it's very pleasing to win my first AAAs indoor title.

"There were 16 teams in the tournament and we won every pull to lift the coveted title.

"It has been a really good year as this comes on the back of being the current World Indoor Champions and winning silver for England in the World Outdoor Championships."