Welsh rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards will officially start the Montgomery Canal Triathlon in Newtown this Saturday.

The former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum half will send 240 triathletes on their way assisted by the Mayor of Newtown Cllr Sue Newham.

BBC Wales cameras will be at the sold-out event to film Sir Gareth for a commissioned television documentary.

He will then travel the course to meet people on the way to see how they are getting on.

Christine Palin, chairman of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal, said: “As usual, there are some keen athletes taking part as well as families who will tackle the event at a more leisurely pace. As well as local entries, we have some coming 200 miles or more from Scotland, East Anglia and London.

“We are delighted that Sir Gareth Edwards and his wife Maureen will be joining us with the crew filming for BBC Wales. He will be starting the cyclists at Newtown and will then travel the course to meet people on the way to see how they are getting on."

She added: “The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is a great event for the canal. It brings many visitors to see not only what the canal has to offer but our lovely area too. “