IT was once branded 'the poor man's ice hockey' but roller hockey is now the fastest-growing team sport in the world.

And six stars from Salford are on their way to Canada to prove that Britain is not lagging behind in the race to become global champions.

The teenagers will compete for their country next month in the World Youth Inline Hockey Championships in Vancouver.

Three squads of different age groups will be leaving the UK for the finals on July 3 for a two week trip.

The local boys who have been picked for Britain are: Gareth Davies, 13, (Irlam Indians); Ben Garside, 13, (Wigan Cougars); Robert Adams, 13, (Walkden Cobras); Liam Carney, 16, (Walkden Cobras); John Wright, 15, (Walkden Cobras); and Carl Ashton, 16, (Blackley Sharks).

They will be joined by Tom Sharrock, 13, of Westhoughton who plays for Blackpool Raiders.

Phil Worthington - coach of the Under 14s National Squad - said: ''The boys have come through some tough trials and fully deserve to be selected, but the real test comes on the international stage.

''The Canadian and American teams are generally regarded as the best in the world but provided we are on top of our game then we'll certainly give them a run for their money.

''The whole trip will be a fantastic experience for the boys and will also include skills camps run by some of the best coaches in the world.''

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