Contestants get down and dirty for annual World Gravy Wrestling Championships

It's an annual Lancashire Bank Holiday tradition like no other.

The return of World Gravy Wrestling Championships saw intrepid wrestlers don their finest fancy dress and go head to head in two-minute bouts in a giant pool filled with more than 1,000 litres of sticky, salty gravy.

The ever-popular event, which began in 2007, is hosted by the Rose n’ Bowl in Stacktseads, Rossendale and this year attracted more than 1,500 spectators.

Over the years it has raised more than £30,000 for East Lancashire Hospice and charities of the competitors' choice.

Those seeking gravy-soaked glory are awarded points on a number of factors, including who has the best moves, the best costumes, and who gets the biggest laugh out of the crowd.

The winner of the men's competition was returning champion Joel Hicks, while Skye Penty claimed the 2019 crown for the women.

Megan Hayhurst, from the Rose n' Bowl, said: