Boxer Ricky Hatton is using his fame to launch a new fight – against crime.

Images of 'the Hitman' will appear on a dozen taxis across Greater Manchester after he teamed up with the independent crime-busting charity Crimestoppers.

His face will be emblazoned cabs in Hyde, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Bolton and Manchester, with the advert also featuring the Crimestoppers hotline number.

The boxer launched the Ricky Hatton Fight Crime campaign at his gym in Hyde.

The world champion hopes his support will encourage the public to rid their community of crime by passing on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.

He said: “So many people suffer as a result of the activities of criminals.

“Being a Manchester lad, I have always tried to give back to my local community and make a difference.

Courage

“I would encourage local people to have the courage and fight crime without revealing their identity by contacting Crimestoppers.

“Throughout my career I have received great support from people throughout the north west and now I would like them to support me again as we seek to make our communities safer and better places to bring up our kids. By supporting Crimestoppers we are taking the fight to the criminals.”

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers’ north west regional manager, explained the importance of the public coming forward with vital information.

He revealed that over 5,500 people in Greater Manchester called Crimestoppers with information last year, leading to more than 550 arrests.

He said: “It is brilliant to have Ricky supporting the campaign. He is a great role model in and out of the ring, always showing tremendous courage.

“For many in the community it takes a lot of courage to contact Crimestoppers, hopefully they will follow Ricky’s lead and help us to fight crime.”

Anyone with information about crime should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.