NEIL and Elaine Pickup would be household names if they were competing in Russia, America or Turkey where arm wrestling is a professional sport.

Instead, Neil has to fund his own trip to defend his European title in Sweden next week while world champion sister Elaine is set to relinquish her crown because she cannot afford to compete any longer.

It is a grim reality the pair have to face up to -- widely regarded as the best pullers in the business but in a sport barely recognised in their own country.

"It's very frustrating," admitted Neil, who will defend his 85kg title in the Swedish town of Galve.

"American champion Michael Todd can earn up to $70,000 a year from arm wrestling yet I funded my own trip out to Las Vegas and beat him in the American Open last month.

"The sport does not get the recognition it deserves in this country and it is a travesty that Elaine and other top local arm wrestlers such as Andy Barker and Alison Cox simply cannot afford to compete."

He added: "It's almost comical because when we go abroad we get so much media attention -- you wouldn't believe the hype that surrounds Elaine with her being a world champion. Yet they can't believe that we are not paid."

Elaine thought her luck would change once she won her title but she admits her arm wrestling days are over unless she manages to attract sponsorship.

She said: "I thought someone would want to sponsor a world champion but I've heard nothing and it is very upsetting. I was treated like a star in America and was chauffeur-driven to the America Open. The same happened again in Switzerland. "But I have just bought my first house and, as it stands, if I do not get the funding I will not defend my world title."

Neil, 27, who is unbeaten in 2001 having won in nine countries, has had lucrative offers to coach in America and Russia but turned them down to stay in his native East Lancashire.

He said: "I'm Blackburn through and through and very proud of the fact and do not want to leave. I'm lucky enough to be able to fund my own trips to compete in the world ranking events." Ranked number two in the world, Neil would love to see funding made available while his long term ambition is to start up an academy for young arm wrestlers.

He added: "When I was in America, a junior event lasted two days. In Belgium, a country not noted for its arm wrestling, there is a youth programme set up. It puts us to shame."

Neil has recovered from a shoulder injury he aggravated in Norway and is confident he can retain his Europe crown -- a title he also won at 80kg between 1996 and 98.

He said: "I'm in the form of my life and hopefully fully fit so I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead."