IT'S been dubbed one of the world's craziest culinary combinations...and it's not too far away to visit.

The World Gravy Wrestling Championships takes place for the 11th time during the August bank holiday in Lancashire and fans are hoping this year's event will be one of the messiest yet.

The whacky wrestling competition sees competitors dive into a pool full of Lancashire gravy and wrestle for two minutes.

Points are scored for fancy dress, comedy effect, entertainment and of course wrestling ability.

All of the contestants are sponsored as the event is held every year to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice which cares for people suffering from life-limiting illnesses throughout Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and Clitheroe.

Family activities away from the wrestling include bouncy castles, face painting, cake and tombola stands as well as the chance for kids to have a go in the gravy.

Food and drink is served all day and the fire brigade will be there to wash down wrestlers between bouts.

Warrington Guardian:

What happened last year?

Last year 16 men and 10 women battled it out in 1,800 litres (475 gallons) of gravy.

The winners on the day were Joel Hicks, a model and actor from Leicester wrestling as Mudman, and Roxy Afzal, a neonatal nurse from Manchester, who won the women’s event for the second year in a row.

Warrington Guardian:

Speaking at the time, Jon Lawe, one of the organisers of the event and landlord of the pub, said: “It was another success for the wrestling.

“We had about 800 people turn up to watch. It was fantastic.

"All the money raised will help those who need it."

Warrington Guardian:

Pictures from the World Gravy Wrestling website

When does it take place?

This year's event takes place at The Rose ‘N’ Bowl in Rossendale from 1pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.

Entry prices are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 per child.

To find out more visit the World Gravy Wrestling Championships website by clicking here.

Or to see more pictures of last year's event, click here