Boxing champ Frank cheers up the patients

Patients at a Black Country hospital were knocked for six when boxing champ Frank Bruno dropped in for a visit.

Heavyweight champion Bruno toured some of the wards at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, to meet nurses and patients, and even gave some of them free signed copies of his autobiography.

Mr Bruno said: "I've visited many hospitals over the years. It's great to meet fans and hopefully make them feel a bit better."

Among the patients getting the Frank treatment was boxing fan Karl Kent.

Father-of-two Mr Kent, aged 36 of Murcroft Road in Stourbridge, was in hospital having shattered his collarbone.

He said: "It's definitely not someone you expect to be walking through the ward doors."

Bruno was invited by Halesowen boxing promotions manager Pete Jackson, aged 33, who works as a security officer at the hospital. Mr Jackson, of Southwick Road, said: "I think it's a wonderful thing to get someone like Frank in."