Carlisle Squash Club are set to welcome some of Britain’s top players when they host a professional event next week.

And one of the club’s own stars will also be competing at the showpiece contest.

The club have described the event - from Tuesday, July 20 to Friday, July 23 - as the biggest such professional occasion they have held.

It will see high-ranking Scotland player Rory Stewart involved as the number one seed, with England star Nick Wall the second seed.

There is also home interest, with the club allowed to enter a locally-based player as they are hosting the event.

That will enable current county men’s champion Adam Goad to take part in his highest-ranking event so far.

It will be a final event at the club for Carlisle-born Goad - who has represented England at various age levels - before he heads to America to take up a scholarship at Columbia University.

He will take on rising star Sam Todd in the first round.

The club hope that the expected relaxing of Covid guidelines on July 19 will prove perfect timing, allowing them to open their doors to as many spectators as possible to watch the event.

“It has been a tough 18 months for all so this is a great way for us to thank all members for sticking with the club and give everyone a fantastic four nights of squash,” said organiser Victoria Bell.

She also thanked sponsors Thomas Graham & Sons Ltd and Appletons of Carlisle for their support in helping the club stage the big event.