AN endurance event that takes in Ludlow Castle is being planned for this year.

Dermott Hayes, Matthew Morris and Matt Green are the brains behind 'Storm the Castle' a duathlon that they believe could be the UK's toughest.

The trio, who grew up in the Ludlow area, have raced across the globe for the past 15 years, taking part in triathlon, duathlon, marathons and cycle racing and wanted to do something similar in their home town.

The race will be a run, cycle, run event covering a total of 48km.

Competitors will start at Ludlow Rugby Club at 9am on April 19 before running run the Linney, Dinham and Whitcliffe area.

The cycling aspect will take in Bromfield, Leintwardine and Wigmore before coming back via Whitcliffe.

The finish will be within the grounds of Ludlow Castle.

"Ludlow is a stunning part of the country and offers everything that you could want to set up a tough race," said Hayes.

"We have been overwhelmed with the support from the local community and businesses.

"After such a tough race to be able to run into the outer bailey of Ludlow Castle, with crowds waiting for their athletes will offer a unique aspect to this race.

"The athletes will have truly 'stormed the castle'."

Hayes added that the team want to deliver events in Shropshire that offer athletes the opportunity to compete in some of the most stunning scenery that the UK has to offer.

"Having raced since 2000 at events, large and small including Triathlon World Championships, we understand what is important to the athlete as well as the spectator and our aim is to create events that generate a UK reputation and attract the highest level of athletes from across the country and wider," said Hayes.

Entry for the event is £42, with an additional £3 being paid on the day if you are not a member of the British Triathlon.

A maximum of 300 people can take part and you must be aged 18 or over.

Anyone willing to try their hand at the event can visitstormthecastleduathlon.com