Tommy will be a knockout with pantomime fans ... oh yes he will!

HE is more used to being cast as the community good guy, handing out free school uniforms to hard-pressed Hull families and enhancing sport and fitness opportunities for local people.

- By DEBORAH HALL

Now the former boxing champion Tommy Coyle is being allowed to portray a very different character. He has been chosen to take on the villainous role of King Rat in Bridlington Spa's Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Relishing the idea of playing a panto baddie, Tommy said: "I just hope the audience boos me louder than my old rivals did in the ring."

Hull's hometown hero, renowned for his fighting spirit and his community endeavours, is ready to bring plenty of punch to the part, with rehearsals due to be held all through November before curtain-up on December 12.