MORE than 1,000 people gathered to watch a wrestling contest with a messy twist yesterday as competitors battled it out in the annual World Gravy Wrestling Championships.

Around 1,000 litres of steaming gravy were poured into a paddling pool at The Rose ’n’ Bowl pub, Stacksteads, for 24 ‘wrestlers’ in fancy dress to grapple in.

Elliot Rourke, dressed as a bunny girl, won a nail-biting final against last year’s victor, Joel Hicks.

Meanwhile Elisa Samson won the women’s bout, dressed as Little Bo Peep.

Firefighters were on hand to hose down competitors once the event was over.

All money raised on the day will go to East Lancashire Hospice.

Click the link below to view our photo gallery from the event.