THOUSANDS of budding young rugby players are set to converge on Clacton.

The town’s rugby club are holding their very first Essex Challenge mini and junior festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Over 3,500 players and parents from 150 teams across the UK are heading for Tendring, in addition to sides from France and Spain.

The teams will play in matches from under-six to under-14 level.

And in addition to plenty of exciting rugby, there will also be food, drink, a bouncy castle, rides, face painting and other attractions for people of all ages.

The festival is taking place at Clacton Rugby Club, in Valley Road, with play getting under way at 10.30am on both days.

Josh Palmer, one of the organisers, said: “It should be fantastic and really good for the area.

“We’re trying to put Clacton back on the map, but for the right reasons.”