HANDBALL: ENGLAND'S top handball players will be taking on European opposition when they lock horns at Basildon Sporting Village.

The new venue off Cranes Farm Road will see current English league and cup champions Great Danes face a German and a French team in a showcase tournament on Saturday, July 2.

Great Danes, who hail from East London, will take on CS Meaux from France and Turnverein 1898 from Germany.

The European teams are from Basildon’s twin towns of Meaux, near Paris, and Heligenhaus, near Dusseldorf.

Spectators can attend the event free of charge, although they are advised to register for tickets early as their is limited seating capacity.

The tournament will see three 40-minute matches played and there will be a chance for spectators to try the seven-a-side game between the matches.

The two European clubs’ involvement was arranged after a twinning conference held between the three towns last year discussed ways to encourage partnerships.

The handball event will run between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Contact sports development manager Wayne Davies on waynedavies@slm-ltd.co.uk to register for tickets.