CELEBRITIES are backing a campaign to honour boxing legend Benny Lynch with a statue in his native Glasgow.

Trainspotting actor Robert Carlyle is among those calling for a permanent memorial to Scotland’s first-ever world champion boxer.

READ MORE: Trainspotting 2: Ewan McGregor recreates famous Princes Street dash for sequel

Carlyle, who has expressed a long-held interest in making a film about his idol, said: “I’ve always loved the idea of a statue for Benny. I 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. My grandfather saw him fight on several occasions.”

Lynch won the world flyweight title in 1935 at the age of 21 but died, aged 33, following a battle with alcoholism.

READ MORE: Trainspotting 2: Ewan McGregor recreates famous Princes Street dash for sequel

Calls for a statue to be erected in his memory are being led by the Remembering Benny Lynch campaign group, which includes the sportsman’s relatives. The campaign is being supported by Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Doherty, former boxing champion Jim Watt and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn.

Lynch’s son Bobby and granddaughter Sharon, who live in Canada, travelled to Glasgow City Chambers for a civic reception in honour of the campaign group.

On display at the event were Lynch’s boxing gloves, as well as his 1937 World and European championship trophies.

READ MORE: Trainspotting 2: Ewan McGregor recreates famous Princes Street dash for sequel