BOXING legend Frank Bruno hit Dorchester to open a new home improvement showroom as a favour to a friend.

The former World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight World Boxing Champion entertained the crowd with banter and his famous deep chuckle at The Hearn Group’s new home improvement showroom.

Bruno arrived late but in style to the Grove Trading Estate in his red Bentley with personalised FRB1 registration to cheers from dozens of onlookers.

The 48-year-old star apologised for the delay, which was caused by traffic hold-ups from Bournemouth, and kept fans happy by signing autographs and memorabilia.

He made a beeline for the freshly shaved head of Mark Ford, Weymouth Amateur Boxing Club coach, which he then rubbed.

He posed for pictures with ex-top local footballer Martin Underhay’s son Ole Gunnar Underhay, who had been photographed with him as a baby.

Bruno’s visit to the county town yesterday came ahead of last night’s talk at a Dorchester Football Club dinner.

Shaun Hearn, showroom owner and football club chairman, said: “It’s fantastic.

“We’re pleased he’s been able to give a talk at the football club and to open our showroom.

“Opening showrooms is not something he normally does, but I know Terry Baker, his agent, quite well and he arranged it.”

Mayor of Dorchester, Leslie Phillips, said: “It’s a great honour to have Frank pay a visit to the county town.

“He’s opening Shaun Hearn’s new showroom and then going to Dorchester Town Football Club to talk about life as a professional world champion.”

He added: “Shaun’s business started small and has grown and grown and is now one of the leading companies in our town of Dorchester.

“I’d like to wish the company every success in the coming years.”

Weymouth resident Charles Creech caught Bruno’s attention in his brightly coloured print shirt.

He joked that Mr Creech had been wearing the same shirt when he met him in Croydon, Surrey 25 years ago.

Mr Creech, aged 66, of Newstead Road, said: “It’s good to see him again, he’s always a laugh – he’s a jovial guy.”

Heather Moreton, 65, of Wool received a kiss from Bruno and said: “I’m all hot.

“He’s my hero, I love him. He’s a gentle giant and his laugh is so infectious.”