Modern pentathlete Fell is based near Tavistock in Devon

Britain's modern pentathletes are preparing for the third round of the 2008 World Cup, which will be held at Somerset's Millfield School.

The British challenge will be headed by Heather Fell and Katy Livingston, who have both achieved the qualifying standard for the Beijing Olympics.

Fell, who hails from Devon, said: "I enjoy competing at 'home' and I'm really looking forward to Millfield."

The event takes place from 27-30 March and admission for spectators is free.

Fell, the silver medallist at the 2007 European Championships, added: "All of the World Cups are going to be pretty strong this year, and Millfield is no different.

"I haven't done so well in the riding there in the last few years, but I'm hoping to do better this year and get a decent finishing position."

Great Britain has an outstanding track record in the women's competitions at the Olympics, winning three of the six medals available since the sport for women made its Olympic debut at Sydney 2000.

Redcar's Livingston, who won the opening round of the 2008 World Cup in Cairo last month and came sixth at last year's European Championships, said: "It's a big competition for me because it's on home soil, which is always special. I know I'll have lots of friends and family there.

"It's going to be tough because it will be a very strong competition.

"All of the big names are likely to be there, it's basically going to be the same strength as a World Championships."

Harland won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics (Getty Images)

Georgina Harland, the Athens 2004 Olympic Games bronze medallist, and Mhairi Spence, bronze medallist at the 2006 European Championships, will also be in action at Millfield.

Harland, from Kent, produced a terrific performance to win last year's Millfield World Cup.

As the competition is on home turf Britain can enter 12 men and 12 women for the senior events, which for many of the athletes on show will be a stepping stone en-route to the Beijing 2012 Olympic Games.

Britain has already won the right to send the maximum quota of two women to Beijing. The places were secured by Livingston and Fell, but team-mates Spence and Harland are competing with them for selection.

The competition is also important for Britain's men, who are aiming to score ranking points that could boost their Olympic qualifying prospects.

Ben McLean, Sam Weale and Nick Woodbridge will spearhead the GB men's challenge in Millfield. The trio are currently in Mexico for round two of the World Cup this weekend.

Great Britain hasn't qualified a male modern pentathlete to compete at the Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996.