A local sporting hero is encouraging people to box clever by recycling their empties.

Former British heavyweight boxing champion Richard Dunn is backing a recycling scheme at The Fleece pub in Cullingworth that has been a knockout with villagers.

The Bradford boxer, who was hailed as a hero in the city following his world title fight against the great Muhammed Ali, dropped in to visit cousin Barry Shaw, landlord of The Fleece.

And he says that Ali, who is played by Will Smith in the new blockbuster Hollywood movie, is still the greatest.

"I'm interested in looking after the environment and this is a good way for everyone to do their bit," said Richard.

Barry added: "I lived in the States for 12 years and we got used to always recycling there.

"Since the recycling centre opened in The Fleece car park last April the site has proved to be very popular with local residents.

"I'm very keen to encourage even more residents to use the recycling centre and I'd like to suggest that other landlords with room for these facilities join Bradford's campaign to reduce waste."

Since the joint venture between Bradford council and the pub was set up it has collected more than 23 tonnes of waste, equal to the total yearly waste of 23 households.

The recycling site has banks for glass, paper, steel/aluminium cans, plastics and textiles.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "The partnership approach between Bradford council and The Fleece pub has ensured a very successful recycling centre for the residents of Cullingworth."

The recycling scheme also has the full support of Cullingworth Parish Council

Richard, 57, who now lives in Scarborough, fought Ali for the world title in Munich's Olympic Hall in 1976 and, in his own words, "came second".

He added: "It was an absolutely fantastic night and Ali was a terrific fella and a real gentleman.

"The morning after the fight we had breakfast together and there was no animosity at all - the fighting was a job for him and for me.

"He improved things tenfold for boxers and he was absolutely the best.

"I enjoyed every moment of my boxing career, and even though I now live in Scarborough I still love coming back here."

Although he hasn't seen the film yet, Richard hopes to watch it in the near future.