WRESTLERS from across the region are to stage a major bout in Consett when they take on an American trained group.

Members of North-East Wrestling are going head-to-head with stars from Hammerlock National Wrestling Association (NWA) UK.

The club has trained young people for five years and has built up a reputation for exciting live shows, such as The Sensational International Wrestling Federation (IWF).

Assassin Brian Bell, of Blyth, will have the biggest match of his career against The Vigilante Johnny Moss.

It is the first time Hammerlock has wrestled anyone outside its own organisation and has assembled a top squad of wrestlers from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

IWF boss Eric Scarboro fears the club may have bitten off more than it can chew.

He said: "We are just the new kids on the block, whereas Hammerlock remain the standard for all others to measure themselves by. I take it as a huge compliment that they are taking this so seriously. Five years ago we were just training kids in an upstairs room in Blyth. Now we're taking on the best there is."

The Sensational IWF squad includes The Avery Brothers, Shaun and Kris Avery of Gateshead; The Bad Boy Jed Masters of Washington; Assassin Brian Bell of Blyth; The Unbreakable Bobby Jackson; Flynn Beattie of Stanley; Ben Satterley of Chester-le-Street; The Player Liam Atkinson of Birtley; Jarrow's Most Famous Man Lee Kyle; The Blade Jimmy Wright of Wallsend, and Harry Pain and Chris Patterson also of Wallsend.

IWF spokesman Les Stewart said: "They all started as young kids with nothing more than enthusiasm but they have turned the club into a real success story for the North-East."

The bout will be held at Consett Civic Hall on February 5 at 7pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s. For tickets, or more information, call (01207) 218899.