TWO Bolton triathletes will take on the world later this month.

Andy Stephenson and John Heaney have been called up for Great Britain for the first time to compete in the World Long Distance Triathlon Championships.

They will travel to Nice on September 21 and 22 to compete over a stamina-sapping course consisting of a four kilometre sea swim, a 120K bike ride and a 30K run.

Bolton fireman Andy, aged 37, of Prestolee, Stoneclough, and taxi driver John, aged 54, of Boothstown, are both members of Bolton Triathlon Club and form part of 18-strong British teams in different age categories.

Andy, who only took up triathlon five years ago, is grateful to sponsorship from Trusthouse Forte for enabling him to compete while, on being called up for his country at such a mature age, John says: "It's a real thrill.

"As you get older you find your basic speed goes but your stamina remains so you can stay more competitive in the long distance events."