A WORLD record breaking wrestling pensioner returned to the ring 50 years on from his last appearance in Blackburn.

Buddy Ward last graced King George’s Hall in 1961 when British wrestling was in its heyday and attracted millions of TV viewers.

On Saturday, Buddy was unveiled as the special guest at the American Wrestling and Comedy Club event by promoter Ian McGregor.

Mr McGregor said: “Last year Buddy smashed the Guinness World Record for the oldest wrestler at the age of 75.

“I asked him if he had any ambitions for this year and he mentioned it would be 50 years since he first wrestled at his favourite venue King George’s Hall in Blackburn.

“He could not fight as he had a few injuries last year, so common sense meant he would be there as the guest of honour instead, telling the audience his memories of 50 years ago.

“Apparently he fought an American who brought a snake into the ring and the snake ended up in the audience.

This was well before the days of Jake the Snake Roberts and all the American wrestling.”

Buddy, from Ellesmere Port, is now 76 and he appeared on TV following his record-breaking fight last year, challenging comedian Russell Howard to a wrestling match.

Mr McGregor added: “We do get people of all sorts of ages coming to these events, grandparents who remember British wrestling in its pomp bring young children.”