SOME of the town's businesses have enjoyed international exposure after sponsoring a world champion MMA fighter on his way to the title.

Lee 'The Butcher' Chadwick, from Huyton, who carries out training at Forge Fitness & Boxing on Warrington Road, Rainhill, won the Cage Warriors Middleweight World Championship.

Lee defeated Swede Victor Cheng by a unanimous decision at the Liverpool Echo Arena to win the vacant title.

And the 31-year-old has enjoyed the support of businesses from the town on his way to the achievement.

Forge Fitness & Boxing, owned by Gary Crickson, which says it is Rainhill's first ever boxing gym, has supported many businesses and charities around the town.

To continue this, it set up the SuperSix, half a dozen businesses offering discount and promotions in support of each other, who have sponsored Lee on his journey.

Louis William Jewellers, on Ormskirk Street, Watson & Co Barbers, Sutton, Vigour Restaurant, Bridge Street, Empire Flooring, Rainhill and Coeus Insurance have all sponsored Lee, enjoying exposure on an international platform.

They have enjoyed exposure on BT sports, UFC Fightpass and various Freeview TV channels, and Lee has regularly paid visits to the businesses.

Lee, along with some of his sponsors are set to be meeting the mayor of St Helens Cllr Joe Pearson in December to celebrate the world champion's links to the town.

Gary said: "We are excited to be meeting with the Mayor, its such an honour.

"(We) started the gym and also created the SuperSix in an attempt to bring in business to the town centre and has been successful in doing so for all the members.

"This has helped create a positive story for the town centre, and increase businesses' publicity as Lee has regularly visited his sponsors."

Gary, in conjunction with the YMCA and St Helens Sports and Development team, offers free boxing fitness classes on Tuesdays at 5pm for 10 to 14-year-olds and Thursday at 5pm for 14 to 18-year-olds.