Former featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan was spotted at a junior parkrun event over the weekend - much to the delight of spectators.

Irish-born McGuigan, who became world champion in 1985, was at Herne Bay Memorial Park yesterday to cheer on the junior runners taking part in the weekly 2k event.

Run director Tjarda Thomas thanked Barry for coming along and said he hoped the boxing legend's appearance would help create momentum in the growing event.

"He came along, cheered them on and was even running around a bit to help hype them up," said Tjarda.

"It's fantastic to have big names support us. We've got 30 to 35 kids coming every Sunday morning and it's free.

"We're all volunteers, and the work we do is so important to us, so it's nice that Barry came down to support the kids."

McGuigan lives in Dargate, between Whitstable and Faversham, with his wife, and currently works as a promoter and pundit.

He won the WBA featherweight belt in June 1985, beating Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road Stadium in London to steal the crown.

He would retain the title twice, before being beaten by Steve Cruz at Caeser's Palace in Las Vegas just over a year later.

McGuigan initially retired after losing the belt and the loss of his father, but would make a short comeback before hanging up his gloves for good in 1989.

Recognised as one of the greats of the sport, he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2000 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.

He has also also appeared on the nation's television screens, winning ITV's Hells Kitchen in 2007 after coming top in the public vote.

Before that, he would frequently appear as a chat show host on BBC One in the 1980s.