CHIPPENHAM Town fans James Gardner and Ben Palmer have been selected to represent the England Mencap team at a European Tournament in Geneva next month.

The duo, members of Chippenham's Gateway Club, were among more than 50 players who attended trials at Coventry University and both have made the 15-man national team.

England will face opposition from the likes of France and Italy in the round-robin tournament, staged between Geneva between June 5 and 9.

Palmer, 21, works as a general assistant at the Moto Service Station near Junction 17 of the M4 and is delighted to be part of the England Mencap squad.

He said: "I'm really happy about it. I could be playing in any position, but it won't be in goal because James plays there. I'd like to play in midfield, making runs at goal. But that's for the coach to decide.

"I think we have a very good team going over there and, although it depends on the way we play and our tactics, we have as good a chance as any side of winning it."

For Gardner, also 21, the trip to Geneva will be the first time he has travelled by air.

He works as a van driver for Wootton Bassett firm Hillmead Joinery and is aiming to help the England Mencap team to glory.

He said: "I am very proud to have been picked for the team and am looking forward to it very much, although I'm a bit edgy about flying.

"I hope we can win it. I would love us to, although I don't know much about the other teams there."