ONE of the weirdest sports imaginable will mark a decade of competition with more thrills and spills later this month.

The World Gravy Wrestling Championships is an annual spectacle for hundreds of onlookers as they cheer on wrestlers who get down and dirty in a pool of gravy.

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Competitors from as far afield as Aberdeen and County Durham will travel to the Rose ‘N’ Bowl, Stacksteads, to challenge each other in two-minute-long bouts in the gloopy sauce.

Points are awarded from the jury for fancy dress, comedy effect and entertainment value.

Last year’s champions Joel Hicks, aka Gandalf the Gravy, from Leicestershire and local lass Nicole Taylor-Lyons, otherwise known as Mad Cow, are returning to defend their titles as they aim to wrestle to victory at the event, which supports charities including Blackburn-based East Lancashire Hospice.

This year there will be some sticky competition as new contestants slide in to attempt to be crowned king or queen of the gravy.

Participants can also raise funds for their own chosen charities while grappling in the brown stuff.

Hopefuls have travelled to the pub from all over the world over the past decade to compete in the legendary contest.

Sara Brown, who is part of the World Gravy Wrestling Organisation, said the event is always full excitement.

She said: “It’s a brilliant and slightly mad day but everyone loves it, whether they’re watching or taking part.

“We’re delighted to be celebrating a decade of gravy wrestling, which helps local charities as well as being a super day out for everyone.”

As well as the ‘saucy’ action, the day is a family day out with face painting, shooting range, raffle, bouncy castle and food and drink being served all day.

The competition takes place on Monday, August 29, at the Rose’n’ Bowl, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Rossendale.

Entry is £2 per adult and £1 per child on the door, with all proceeds going to East Lancashire Hospice.

Doors open at 12.30pm and the competition begins at 1pm. For further details call Sara Brown on 01706 231029 or Jon Lowe on 01706 879555 of the World Gravy Wrestling Organisation or email info@worldgravywrestling.com.