THE 11th annual World Gravy Wrestling Championships was held at the Rose ‘n Bowl pub in Stacksteads.

All wrestlers are sponsored to take part in an effort to raise money for good causes.

Dozens of contestants wrestled in gallons of gravy, raising much-needed funds for the East Lancashire Hospice and other nominated charities.

To win the contest, contestants must wrestle in 1,800 litres (475 gallons) of gravy for two minutes, with points scored for fancy dress, comedy effect, entertainment and wrestling ability.

The winners on bank holiday Monday were Joel Hicks, a model and actor from Leicester wrestling as Mudman, and Roxy Afzal, a neonatal nurse from Manchester, who won the women’s event for the second year in a row.

Jon Lawe, one of the organisers of the event and landlord of the pub, said: “It was another success for the wrestling.

“We had about 800 people turn up to watch. It was fantastic.

“We don’t know how much we have raised for East Lancashire Hospice yet but all the money will help those who need it.

“The weather wasn’t the best but it did not dampen any spirits and the 16 men and 10 women got stuck in. They were great.

“I’d like to thank everyone who came down and the wrestlers who took part.

“We hope to see everyone next year.”