A LITTLE Leigh pub is preparing to 'Lay the Smackdown' on meningitis with the return of its free wrestling event.

The Leigh Arms will host the free event for the eighth year on Saturday, June 9, in association with First Class Wrestling.

The event welcomes entertainment fans to raise money for Meningitis Now – a charity that supports those affected by the disease and funds lifesaving research.

Joanne Higham, licensee of The Leigh Arms, said: “Over the past seven years we’ve raised a phenomenal £12,000 and seen over 3,000 people come to the event.

"The show is great fun for the whole family and extremely popular.

"It’s an event that we all look forward to hosting every year as it really brings everyone together for a great cause.”

This year's line-up of pro wrestlers include Harlem Bravado, El Excentrico, Colosus and Henchmen.

Fans' favourites Cayden Ley and Tony Spitfire also return to the Leigh Arms, along with James Mason and Ringo Ryan. The voice of BBC Radio 2 traffic, Lee Bamba, will MC.

All involved waive their fees in aid of the charity, and this year's event ramps up the fundraising action with a 'money in the bank' ladder match.

The action starts at 2pm, and will be followed by a meet-and-greet and live music from Chicken Run at 6pm.

leigharms.co.uk