Former boxing champ Bruno a hit at Telford show

The former heavyweight champion staged a meet and greet with fans while attending the National Bed Show at Telford's International Centre.

Seventeen stone Frank, who is 6ft 3ins tall, was helping to promote a new bed for big people at the final day of the exhibition.

Bruno – who won the WBC world title in 1995 – said he had 'enjoyed the show very much'.

Frank, 50, is no stranger to Telford and said he often visits the town to catch up with friends.

He said: "I have been to Telford lots of times. My mates live in Telford, ex-boxers."

He joked: "It's a nice drive in, but nice to drive out as well, know what I mean?"

He added: "The people here are lovely, genuine people. I do not know much about boxing clubs in Telford, but boxers are the same wherever they come from – boxers are boxers.

"The boxing community is as close as you want it to be.

"I try to keep in contact with them but everyone is ducking and diving, doing their bits and pieces."

Jessica Alexander, executive director of the National Bed Federation, said the two-day show had gone extremely well.

She said more than 900 people went along on the first day, which was in line with last year's figures.

"It is a trade show for our industry and it has gone extremely well. The figures are the same as last year, which in these challenging times is very good."

She said last year's show attracted about 1,300 people and it was hoped the final number of visitors this year would be similar.

Bodybuilder Dave Titterton, who was a Mr Universe Class 1 winner in 2009, also caused a stir at the show when he revealed his muscles to promote Mammoth beds.