SOME of the toughest fighters in the North-East will take on the pick of Europe's hardest men this weekend.

The Battle of the Ages is a full contact, mixed martial arts tournament, where fighters punch, kick, and grapple to knock out their opponent or force a submission.

The event, taking place at the 1,200-capacity Eldon Leisure in Newcastle city centre, was organised by Ian "The Machine" Freeman, of Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham.

It aims to emulate the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the US, which has become a worldwide success and where Mr Freeman was champion four times.

"I want to show that ultimate fighting is not as barbaric as some people think," he said. "It is a test of skill, mixed martial arts that has a code of conduct.

Three fighters from his Leadgate gym are competing. Graeme Hussey, of Darlington, and Rob Owens and Billy Saul, of Consett.

Others competitors include wrestlers Abdul Mohammed and Golam Muradi, of Middlesbrough, and paratrooper Sandy Geddes from Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, taking on Steve Dowding from Thornley, near Durham.

The event takes place on Saturday. Tickets, priced £25, are on sale at Eldon Leisure box office, on 019-232 5917, or from Mr Freeman on 07939 231521.