A Northwich pub is preparing to smackdown on meningitis with the return of a free wrestling event in June.

The event, for the sixth year running, is at the Leigh Arms on Saturday, June 11.

First Class Wrestling, a wrestling promotion based in the North-East, will return to the Robinsons pub; the only pub in the country to host live pro-wrestling for free.

The aim is to raise more than last year’s total of £2,200 raised for Meningitis Now; a charity that rebuilds lives and funds lifesaving research for people affected by meningitis.

Licensee Joanne Higham said: “Over the past five years we’ve raised a phenomenal £8,000 and seen more than 2,000 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.”

Making a welcome return to the Leigh Arms is fans’ favourite Tony Spitfire, along with former British and European Champion James Mason, Franky Sloan, Colossus Kennedy, Nathan Cruz, Robbie Dynamite, Micky Long and Gypsy John Kenny. All the wrestlers waive their fees for the day in aid of Meningitis Now.

The bone-crunching action starts at 2pm. After the event there will be a unique opportunity to meet the wrestlers in person, followed by live music from 6pm by local band Zeds Dead.

The pub will be serving award-winning Robinsons cask ale throughout the day along with American style food and its usual menu.

North West Regional Fundraiser for Meningitis Now Roya Armstrong said: “Thank you so much to Joanne, her staff and all the wrestlers, who do such a superb job. This will be a spectacular event and we’re so grateful for their support.

“As a charity that receives no Government funding we rely entirely on the generosity, energy and initiative of our supporters to raise the vital funds we need to carry out our lifesaving and life-changing work.

“Their efforts will make a real difference to those who are at risk from meningitis and those whose lives have already been changed forever because of it.”

Meningitis Now, in its 30th anniversary year this year, is working towards a future where no one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need.

It does this by funding research into vaccines and prevention, raising awareness so people know what to look for and what action to take if they suspect meningitis and rebuilding futures by providing dedicated support to people living with the impact of the disease.

For more information and to donate visit www.meningitisnow.org