GRAPPLING great James Mason is warming up for one of the biggest wrestling events Basildon has ever seen.

He is part of a team of around six top British wrestlers who will get to grips with half a dozen US wrestling heroes for a transatlantic showdown at Eversley Leisure Centre, Crest Avenue, Pitsea.

Roy Hudson, 49, Mason's friend and manager of the Pints and Litres off-license, in Laindon Shopping Centre, donned a mask in the style of American wrestling legend Dr Death, to promote what he believes will be one of the biggest wrestling events ever seen in Basildon.

He said: "There will be ten or 12 wrestlers in the rumble, half on the British team and half for America."

Mr Hudson has been a fan of the sport since he was three years old and used to love the wrestling segment of London Weekend Tele- vision's Saturday afternoon television programme World of Sport.

He said: "Once wrestling is in your blood it stays in your blood.

"Anyone coming to the show can expect two hours of good wrestling with a fantastic atmosphere.

"The atmosphere in British rings is always good and on the night it's first come first served, so for the same price you can get ring side seats if you get there early enough."

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for children, and £30 for families.

They are on sale at the Eversley centre and Pints and Litres, or by calling the box office on 01268 583076.

The show starts at 7.30pm, on Saturday, March 22.