Seconds out! Wrestler Syd Manelli is following in his dad and grandad's footsteps.

The fresh-faced 22-year-old from Maidstone is the third generation of his family to climb into the ring.

Today (Thursday) you can see him battling to win the first Rumble Championships at Kemsley village hall.

His dad Steve, who is no stranger to Kent grapple and groan fans, said: "I'm really proud of him. But he's not a bit like me. He fights clean!"

Steve is now taking a back seat in the business but can still be seen fighting in holiday camps during the summer, especially on the Isle of Sheppey.

Syd's grandfather was the legendary Brian Manelli who for years was the mystery wrestler behind the mask of the Phantom.

Steve said: "Syd is doing all right. Wrestling seems to be making a comeback and is really big at the moment. He always wanted to try his hand in the ring but I tried to put him off.

"He hasn't really had any training but he seems to have picked up from being around wrestlers. He always helped me putting the ring up and taking it down and when his grandad died he spent a couple of seasons as a referee getting to learn the ropes."

Rumble Productions promise a cracker of a wrestling match.

The show, at 3pm, will feature eight wrestlers competing to become the first Rumble Champion. There will be seven matches consisting of four quarter-finals, two semis and the final to decide which wrestler will wear the crown and take home the gold Rumble belt.

On the bill will be outspoken American masked star Mr USA, wrestling's own Mister Money and Dow 'Bah Humbug' Jones plus another of other contenders.

Promoter Stephen Barker said: "It's a great two-hour show for all the family and an ideal post-Christmas treat for the kids where they can cheer their favourites and boo the baddies."

Tickets are £10 (£8 children and pensioners, £12 ringside, £30 family) on the door or visit www.rumblewrestling.com or call 07871 400240.