WORLD arm-wrestling champion Dawn Higson is down but not out because of the lack of sponsorship offered by Bolton businesses and sports federations.

Dawn, from Blackrod, and her father have struggled for more than two months to raise the £3,000 needed to get her to the World Championships in Tokyo - but have only managed to raise £1,200.

Proud father, 41-year-old Andrew Higson has had to take out loans to raise the rest of the funds and it has left him in debt.

The money was donated by Horwich Rotary Club, Rivington and Blackrod School and residents in Blackrod. He said: "Dawn is the only world champion in Bolton and we thought that businesses and the council would get behind her but no-one has come forward to help.

"I'm really disappointed. We have contacted hundreds of businesses and sent out over a hundred letters but we have only had a couple of replies.

"Two were businesses saying sorry but good luck and one was from a casino in Canada but they pulled out when they discovered her age.

"I would like to thank those who have donated though."

Dawn, a 16-year-old student at Rivington and Blackrod College added: "We contacted businesses before when I was just starting my career and they said 'come back to us when you're world champion'.

"I have become world champion and now those same businesses are saying 'come back when you are 18'.'

Despite the set back Dawn remains optimistic about her chances at the Championships.

She added: "I'm definitely going to retain my title, I have trained hard."

The World Championships take place in Tokyo from November 27 to December 5.