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Wrestlers take to the gravy ring Wrestlers take to the gravy ring
(40 minutes later)
Wrestling competitors have been bidding for a world title in 40,000 portions of out-of-date gravy.Wrestling competitors have been bidding for a world title in 40,000 portions of out-of-date gravy.
The Rose 'n' Bowl pub in Stacksteads, Lancashire, is hosting the World Gravy Wrestling Championships. The Rose 'n' Bowl pub in Stacksteads, Lancashire, hosted the World Gravy Wrestling Championships.
Bisto provided 2,000 litres (440 gallons) of gravy past its best before date for the contest, which is raising money for the East Lancashire Hospice. Bisto provided 2,000 litres (440 gallons) of gravy past its best before date for the contest, which raised money for the East Lancashire Hospice.
Joel Hicks, a 30-year-old barrister wrestling under the name of Stone Cold Steve Bisto, won the contest.
Local fire crews were called in to hose down the 16 participants after their bouts in the wrestling ring.Local fire crews were called in to hose down the 16 participants after their bouts in the wrestling ring.
'Proud moment' My technique was really just to grab hold of the guy and hope for the best Joel HicksWorld Gravy Wrestling Champion
Carol Lowe, 37, landlady of the pub, said: "We normally have to make the gravy ourselves, which is a bit of a nightmare, but this year Bisto stepped in.Carol Lowe, 37, landlady of the pub, said: "We normally have to make the gravy ourselves, which is a bit of a nightmare, but this year Bisto stepped in.
"All the proceeds are going to East Lancashire Hospice, so it is just a nice day for everyone involved.""All the proceeds are going to East Lancashire Hospice, so it is just a nice day for everyone involved."
More than 100 people have gathered to watch the battle with wrestlers travelling from Devon, Derby, Scarborough and Leicester. More than 100 people gathered to watch the battle with wrestlers travelling from Devon, Derby, Scarborough and Leicester.
Last year's winner, Danny Carr, who wrestles under the name "Mad Dog", said he was sad to relinquish his crown. 'Big surprise'
The 23-year-old from Heywood said: "It was great to win last year, but I wanted to give someone else a chance this year so I am not competing. Mr Hicks said: "It is a bit crazy - it is the third time I have done this event, so to finally win it is fantastic.
"It was a very proud moment in my life." "The final was really tough and it is much more difficult than you think. My technique was really just to grab hold of the guy and hope for the best."
Emma Slater, 23, from Oldham, won the women's bout dressed as Mrs Christmas.
She said: "I didn't register until the last minute because I was only meant to be holding up the cards at the end of each round, so it has all come as a big surprise."