ARM WRESTLING double act Elaine and Neil Pickup have been muscling in on the international scene so well, they are now the first brother and sister to ever both hold world titles at the same time.

The pair, from Darwen, now have a firm grip on the winning trophies for the arm wrestling world championships, but are aiming to conquer the world, if Elaine can raise the money to get to Poland to defend her world title in three weeks' time.

Elaine raised some sponsorship from an appeal made in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph recently, but still needs to raise £800 for the trip to Gdansk on December 2, when competitors from 81 countries will be in arm to arm combat for the world title.

If she cannot raise the money, she fears it may be the end of her career, which is at its peak.

Management at Hordens bar in Blackburn, where the pair train, have offered to hold a raffle on November 24 to help raise the funds.

Elaine said: "Arm wrestling is not big in England, but in other countries it is huge. It takes a lot of winning. For most of the girls from other countries it is the only thing they do, they don't have to work, and get to train lots.

"I am at the peak of my career and, between us, we want to be undisputed champions of the world. There are only three world champions in this country, and two of them are me and my brother. It is probably the biggest achievement I will ever do and I have to go and defend it. I know I can win again."

She recently went to Lake Garda in Italy to compete in the world championships, organised by the World Arm Sport Federation, but needs to go to Poland to defend the title she won under the World Arm Wrestling Federation. Her brother holds the world title under the World Arm Sport Federation.

Elaine started arm wrestling when she reluctantly accompanied Neil to one of his matches 10 years ago and hasn't looked back since.

Bouts in contests can last anything from two seconds to four minutes, although Elaine aims to polish off her opponents as quickly as possible. She and Neil have to put in weight training, running three times a week, swimming and technique training three times a week.

She won sponsors from the Royal Bank of Scotland, Square Deal Windows, B & J Industrial Supplies, Steve and Pat at the Dinky Diner and Lee Woods from Darwen Tattoo Studio, after they responded to an appeal by her in the summer.

The raffle on November 24 at The Hordens bar in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn in aid of Elaine's trip, will include prizes including a mountain bike and a weekend for two in a UK hotel. For tickets ring 01254 201443 or to sponsor Elaine ring 01254 260123.