AN ESTIMATED 2,500 athletes are expected to take part in the Castle Howard Triathlon this weekend.

The event is on Saturday and Sunday, with beginnners, children, amateurs and elite athletes taking part.

The two-day triathlon festival, now in its ninth year, sees the addition a Half Marathon, 10k run and swim-only races. This year's event also plays host to the Yorkshire Mixed Team Relay Championship for Yorkshire’s triathlon clubs, including West Yorkshire Police.

Fifty competitors will be fundraising for this year's charity partner, Macmillan Cancer Support.