THEY already have the backing of film star Robert Carlyle.

Now a group of campaigners are lacing up their gloves to ensure they secure a statue in honour of Gorbals sports star Benny Lynch.

Benny was Scotland's first world boxing champion but died in 1946 without a lasting tribute to his success.

As first told in the Evening Times, Remember Benny Lynch wants a statue of the man placed in Central Station.

They have now lined up a string of fundraising events - and an exhibition from the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre - to raise the £100,000 needed.

Lynne Lees, of the campaign, said: "Benny's granddaughter posts on the Gorbals Facebook page and one day I put up a positive post about him, saying he should have his own statue.

"There was another campaign a few years ago but it fizzled out - we're determined not to let that happen this time.

"I got so many replied that I thought it was time to really do something about it and get this amazing man the recognition he deserves."

Actor Robert Carlyle has backed the campaign having narrated a BBC documentary about the boxer.

He said: "I've always loved the idea of a statue for Benny. Cannot think of anyone, past or present from the city of Glasgow, who deserves it more.

"I've been an admirer of Benny Lynch for more years than I care to remember. Even though he never saw him fight, he was also a great hero for my father.

"My grandfather on the other hand did see him fight on several occasions.

"His stories have been handed down from him to my father, from my father to me, and from me to my own kids who are as familiar with the name Benny Lynch as they are with any present day sportsmen.

"That should be the case for all the citizens of Glasgow.

"We should all be proud of what this man achieved and a statue in his honour is the very least his memory deserves."

The campaign group, which also includes Clutha Bar owner Alan Crossan, have also roped in the Scottish actors Tommy Flanagan, Gianni Capaldi, Douglas Henshall and Jonathan Watson to back them.

And they have managed to persuade singers Pete Doherty and the other members of The Libertines to wear their campaign t shirt.

The group of six - Lynne, Alan, Bryan Turnbull, Marie McLelland, David Cardwell and Garry Moore - are organising a fundraising event to be held in the Clutha next April.

And Glasgow Life staff are helping the group organise a travelling museum display that will also run next April.

Benny was born in the Gorbals and went on to win the the World, European and British flyweight boxing championships.

More than 20,000 crammed Central Station in September 1935 to see him return home in glory, having beaten Jackie Brown at Belle Vue, Manchester, in two rounds.

Then 100,000 lined Glasgow's streets as he paraded his trophy.

Benny suffered a fall from grace after succumbing to the lure of the bottle. He died at the age of 33 from cardiac arrest and chronic alcoholism and 2000 people attended his funeral.

Lynne said: "I always knew about Benny and anyone who grows up in the Gorbals learns about him.

"Everyone has a story about how their parents or grandparents knew him or saw him fight. He was a working class hero who made it from the Gorbals to become a world champion.

"People have been brilliant with donating - someone spotted me on the bus and gave me £40, another person handed in £100 to my work.

"We have donation boxes in some of the pubs and they are constantly full. Though, with £80,000 to £100,000 to raise, we're going to need a lot of boxes."

She added: "It's only a shame he doesn't already have a statue. All of Glasgow has heard of him and now they should do something to remember him too."

For more information about forthcoming events or to donate see www.penny4benny.wix.com/bennylynch