A TOUGH cookie soldier will make history next month when she represents England at the World Tug of War Championships.

Private Emma Newman, 22, from Preston, a member of the Army's Ladies' Tug of War, 560kg team, will fly to the US to take part in the competition organised by the England Tug of War Association.

It will be the first time a women's team has represented England in the championships and about 19 countries, including Switzerland and the US, are participating in the seven-day event, starting on September 1, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Pte Newman, a port operator with 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, will spend the rest of the month at the team training camp in Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, preparing for the competition.

The former pupil of St Mary's Technology College, Leyland, said: "It's a great honour to be selected for the team and to have the opportunity to represent my country. It's all about teamwork and technique, but we will certainly give it our best shot."

Team manager, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Merhlich, said the team had the ability to win a medal. "This is the first time they have ever taken part in such a big event, so it's more important that they have fun and enjoy the experience."