A STOURBRIDGE wrestling fanatic's dream came when VWF promoters fixed it for him to enter the ring as an honourary champion.

Dave Sheriff, who has Down's Syndrome and Autism, is a lifelong wresting fan and gets front row seats every time Venom Wrestling Federation matches are held at The River Rooms in Stourbridge.

This time, however, wrestling promoters really packed a punch for 27-year-old David and gave him chance to enter the ring as 'Dastardly Dave' to Beastie Boys tune You've Got To Fight For Your Right to Party before introducing him as an honourary VWF wrestling champion.

His mum Helen Ashby said: "It was so amazing. He was announced by 'The Bouncer' and entered the stage to his music and paraded around the ring wearing the VWF championship belt. He absolutely loved it; he just came alive, he knew all the poses."

VWF promoter Richard Fisher, aka 'The Bouncer', came up with the idea to give fans chance to emulate their wrestling heroes in the ring and he said number one supporter Dave, who was the first to take up the offer, "really got into it".

Dave's debut in the ring was also videoed so the popular member of Side by Side theatre group will be able to watch his performance again and again.

Richard added: "It's something he can look back at and show his friends and family."