MANY of the world’s top pole climbers are set to participate in a competition taking place on the Ragley Estate in Alcester.

More than 50 competitors from across the globe will be taking part in the Husqvarna World 25m Pole Climbing Championships as part of APF 2014, the UK’s largest forestry, woodland, trees and timber show.

The event will begin on Thursday, September 18 and end on Saturday, September 20.

Climbers will be racing head to head against the clock to scale two giant 25m poles in less than 11 seconds.

Grant Gallier, the world record holder and current world champion, is set to defend his record time of 9.07 seconds at the event.

Ladies champion Jenna Auger and 2012 veteran champion 52-year-old Charlie Edwards will also be defending their titles.

Oldest climber George Tipping, aged 81, will be present during the competition but he has now retired after raising more than £40,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

However, further donations could tempt him into one last climb.

The first two days will be the heats with the world finals taking place on Saturday afternoon.

The two six tonne Douglas fir poles were selected for the event from Longleat Estate in Wiltshire.

The pillars are dug 14 foot into the ground for stability.

For more information email info@apfexhibition.co.uk or visit www.apfexhibition.co.uk.

The World Pole Climbing Championships are part of the series of events taking place over the three days of APF 2014.