Ashley Jackson and Susannah Townsend have been selected by England for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

Chatham-born Jackson and Townsend, from Egerton, both recently represented their country at the Hockey World Cup.

The pair will now head to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, which start on July 23.

The England men’s team will also include five players from Holcombe Hockey Club.

Holcombe’s latest signing Nick Catlin will be joined by England skipper Barry Middleton, Dan Fox, goalie George Pinner and defender Iain Lewers.

England are looking to improve on their previous two fourth place finishes in Delhi [2010] and Melbourne [2006].

Middleton said: “I’m really excited for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and it’s nice to have another major tournament so close to home.

“Multi-sport events have a different feel to a normal hockey event and there’s always a great atmosphere. I’m proud to be part of Team England and we are aiming to be one of the success stories of the games.”

Ten of the 16 selected athletes for the women’s team will be making their Commonwealth Games debuts, including Holcombe forward Lucy Wood.

Fellow Holcombe players Laura Unsworth and goalie Maddie Hinch will be joining Wood and Townsend in Glasgow.

England women begin their challenge against Wales on July 24, while the men start on the same day against Trinidad & Tobago.