Four Shropshire judo stars will be on the medal hunt in world cup action in Birmingham this weekend.

Telford trio Kelly Edwards, Gemma Howell and Rebecca Dunning are all in the 25-strong squad along with Shrewsbury star Sarah Adlington.

The event, which carries ranking points for the 2012 London Olympics, is one of the highest profile events on the judo calendar.

And Adlington is determined to make up for a disappointing World Championships by defending her -78kg title at the GB World Cup in Birmingham this weekend.

She said: “I am really looking forward to getting back out there after the World Championships and defending my title at the GB World Cup.

“It is a really good event and the home crowd are there to support you.

“I have just come back from training in Japan, so have had a couple of days rest, but just looking forward to it fighting again,” added Adlington, who won the 2010 British Open title in May.

Howell, 20, a former Thomas Telford and Adams’ Grammar School pupil now based in Dartford, is competing in the -57kg category along with fellow Telford fighter Dunning, 22.

Teenage star Edwards, 19, from Wrekin Judo Club, competes in the -48kg.

All three Telford fighters will be in action today with the heavier weights, including Adlington, in action tomorrow at the National Indoor Arena.

British Judo Association performance operations manager Karen Roberts said: “The 2010 GB World Cup is a fantastic event for British players to gain international experience.

“Ranking points are becoming more and more important as we get closer to 2012 so international players will be attracted to the event.”

By Alex James