Housby won the All-Weights title at the Westmoreland Show in 2007

Cumbria and Westmorland wrestlers are preparing for the 2008 World Championships after the venues were decided for the season's programme.

Three such events were affected by foot and mouth disease last year and had to be transferred to later venues.

Cumberland wrestling's governing board began the allocation process by renewing the mandate for Cockermouth, Powburn and Eskdale to sponsor the championships they were forced to abandon last year.

Cockermouth Show has the prestigious All Weights Championship which until last year had been in the mighty grasp of Robert McNamara of East Kilbride.

He failed to turn up to the Westmorland Show last September and, in his absence, Russell Housby brought the title back south of the border.

On the same day Andrew Carlile will be defending his 10.5st Championship at Powburn Show, so the wrestlers will be split on that day.

The first defence of the year also involves Carlile, as his 11st trophy will take place at the end of May at the traditional Killington Sports.

Wolsingham Show in County Durham gives excellent prize-money each year, but is so much out on a limb in Weardale.

It is also at a time in September when wrestlers are exhausted by all the action in the preceding fortnight, and entries are often lower than they should be.

This year the 15st Championship should give numbers a boost.

Most poignant of all is the allocation of the Under 18 Years Championship to Haltwhistle Gala.

Chris Walton would have been one of the main contenders, but for his untimely death.

Instead the governing board has made a tacit tribute to him by honouring his local event.

Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling Association - World Championships 2008 programme of events

All Weights - Cockermouth Show - Saturday 2 August

15st - Wolsingham Show - Sunday 7 September

14st - Cumberland Show - Saturday 19 July

13st Penrith Show Saturday, 26 July

12st Harbottle Show Saturday 6 September

11st Killington Sports Thursday 29 May

10.5st Powburn Show Saturday 2 August

Under 18 Haltwhistle Gala Sunday 6 July

Under 18/10st Hesket Newmarket Show Saturday 30 August

Under 15 Eskdale Show Saturday 27 September

Under 15/8st Gosforth Show Wednesday 20 August