Top Town Titans prepare to battle for Oamaru

Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton yesterday encouraged the Oamaru Titans Top Town team to enjoy the competition - but also to "really give it that competitive edge".

Team captain and mascot Darrin Low, flanked by team-mates Janelle Casey (left) and Anika McLennan, are pictured preparing for this week's filming of the show.

"Leave everything out there, destroy the opposition, have no mercy at all," Mr Familton told the team at a luncheon in Oamaru before the team left for filming in Christchurch this week.

Mr Familton said the community was right behind the team and he had "really top hopes" for it.

Deputy mayor Gary Kircher, who is part of the team's management, said it was a very important opportunity for Oamaru to compete in the event.

A lot of towns had missed out being selected and he believed Oamaru got there "because we were very worthy".