A TRIO of York throwers are aiming to launch their 2010 athletics campaigns at the CAU Inter Counties meeting in Bedford this weekend.

City of York Athletics Club throwing coach Paul Wilson has high hopes for club members Les Richards, Paul Allsopp and Chloe Smyrk, who are all part of the senior Yorkshire and Humberside team.

The Inter Counties event sees rival regions compete for the title of the best county team in the UK.

In-form international Richards has been selected for the shot and discus as he builds towards a tilt at Commonwealth Games qualification.

Richards is currently ranked number two in the shot and number three in the discus in England.

Javelin thrower Allsopp, ranked number two in the UK at his age group, is hoping to shine against senior athletes as he attempts to qualify for the World Junior Championships in Canada later this year.

Junior athlete Smyrk is ranked in the top ten at her age group for the javelin and discus, but she will be taking on the seniors in Bedford.

Wilson said: “It should be a great weekend for the athletes and a chance to put a good mark down for the season. Hopefully some good performances will come from it.”