WORLD champion MMA fighter Lee Chadwick paid a visit to the mayor's parlour in the town hall after he helped give businesses across the borough international exposure on his title run.

'The Butcher', who carries out training at Forge Fitness & Boxing on Warrington Road, Rainhill, won the Cage Warriors Middleweight World Championship after victory by a unanimous decision against Swede Victor Cheng at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

As the Star reported, the 31-year-old had the support of businesses from the town on his way to the achievement.

Forge Fitness & Boxing, owned by Gary Crickson has supported many businesses and charities around the area.

And it set up the SuperSix, half a dozen businesses offering discount and promotions in support of each other, who sponsored Lee on his world title 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, featuring on BT sports, UFC Fightpass and various Freeview TV channels.

Lee himself has regularly paid visits to the businesses.

And to celebrate his success and promotion of the town, 'The Butcher' attended the event at the town hall, meeting mayor and mayoress Cllr Joe and Sylvia Pearson along with representatives from some of the businesses.

Gary Crickson, of Forge Fitness & Boxing, said: "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.

"Meeting the mayor was absolutely amazing. It's such an honour."