A TEAM of martial arts experts will be aiming to record an unprecedented third title this weekend.

Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy will be competing in the Tough Guy challenge on Sunday.

Last year, the academy won both the winter and summer events to become the first team to ever defend the title.

Ten athletes will be heading for a gruelling obstacle course to maintain the club's 100 per cent record in the event.

Captain and club organiser Paul Hamilton said: "We even beat the Army last year.

"We are the only team to win it twice."

The ten-mile obstacle course is located in over 150 acres of army assault terrain near Wolverhampton.

Mr Hamilton added: "It is one of the hardest endurance events in England.

"Last year, there were about 8,000 entered and only 1,500 finished."

One of the new members of the team is Jeff Wright. He came into the side because of an injury to another competitor.

He is raising money for Darlington's St Teresa's Hospice, and said: "It is a charity that we might all need at some point."

To sponsor Mr Wright for the event, people can call into his shop, JC Media Supplies, in Skinnergate, Darlington.