WORLD armwrestling champion Elaine Pickup is appealing for East Lancashire companies to help her bid to defend her title.

The World Armwrestling Championships take place at Lake Garda in Italy next month and Blackburn's Elaine is desperate to go after already missing out on the European title because of finances.

"I feel so disheartened," said the 30-year-old, who has held the British lightweight crown for nine consecutive years and won the world title in Finland last year.

"We don't get any kind of sponsorship. I have got to raise £1,460 on my own to pay for my flight, accommodation, entry fees and even my uniform. We get nothing.

"It's four weeks off now and I'm desperate. I've tried so hard to raise any money and now this is my last resort."

She is asking East Lancashire companies to just give £10 each in the hope that she can raise the much-needed cash.

"I missed defending my European championships in Sweden because of my money but I wanted to win the World Championships so badly last year and it was great when I did. That's why I want to defend it.

"I have just bought my first house so although I have always financed myself, I just don't have the money now."

Elaine, who uses the stage name 'Lady Natural', is Britain's only woman world armwrestling champion. The British middleweight champion Sue Owen, from Derbyshire, and British heavyweight champion Elizabeth Horn, from Bedfordshire, are both sponsored.

"They rung me to see if I was going and at the moment, I have to say no. I can't believe it," she said.

Anyone who wants to help can contact Elaine on 01254 260123 or send any contributions to: Elaine Pickup, Dupox Ltd, Unit 9, Hutton Street, Furthergate Industrial Estate, Blackburn BB11 3BY.