SOUTH Essex trio Paul Whittaker, Gemma Kersey and Tom Frith are all on England duty this weekend as they take part in the Home Countries International in Glasgow.

Frith – who will be running in the under-20 men’s race – and Kersey – in action in the under-20 women’s event – were selected after their performances at the English National Championships three weeks ago.

Whittaker received a late call-up to replace another south Essex athlete, Southend AC’s Adam Hickey, who has had to pull out of the fixture because of illness.

The call is a reward for Whittaker’s fine form this winter, which most recently included at 13th place at the UK Intercounties Cross-Country Championships last weekend.

“I was aiming for top 10, but I was happy with 13th,” said Whittaker.

“It’s been a good winter. I’ve trained really hard mainly looking ahead for the track season and winning an England vest is a good reward.”

Southend AC’s Tom Frith, 19, who is currently studying at Oxford University, will be making his international debut at the event in Scotland.

Kersey (Basildon AC) will be looking to round off an impressive cross-country season, which included a superb 16th place finish at the European Championships, in style.

Havering Mayesbrook’s Lauren Deadman is also in the England squad for the senior women’s race.