WRESTLERS from across the North-East are staging a major contest.

Members of a North-East wrestling club will fight competitors from Hammerlock National Wrestling Association (NWA) UK, who are rated as some of the finest in the country.

The club has trained young people for five years who perform as The Sensational International Wrestling Federation.

The club's manager, Eric Scarboro, is excited about the forthcoming bout.

He said: "We are just the new kids on the block, whereas Hammerlock remains 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 are taking on the best there is."

The bout will be held at Consett Civic Hall, County Durham, on February 5, at 7pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for under 16s.

For more information, contact (01207) 218899.