BENNY Lynch, Scotland’s first-ever World Champion boxer, is the focus of a new display at People’s Palace unveiled by boxer Jim Watt.

Following a highly successful and popular travelling display honouring the boxing legend, Glasgow Museums will bring his story to a wider audience minutes from where he grew up in the Gorbals.

Jim said: "I’ve said it many times before, but I really do believe that Benny Lynch is Scotland's greatest ever sporting legend.

"Two years ago I was honoured to open a small travelling display to celebrate his incredible achievements in Gorbals Library.

"In that time we’ve brought many people together and been able to share Benny’s story with the next generation.

"Like Benny the People’s Palace holds a special place in the heart of many Glaswegians.

"I have very fond memories of coming here as a kid.

"I think Benny would be secretly touched to have a display about his life right here, in such a popular museum, not far from where he was brought up.

"By hosting this exhibition many more young people will become aware of his legacy and I hope it culminates in having a statue erected in his memory in Glasgow."

The larger exhibition, which will be on permanent display for two years, is the next stage in a partnership between the Open Museum and the Statue for Benny campaign group.

Bryan Turnbull, a member of the group Statue for Benny, said: “Benny Lynch means a lot to people in Glasgow and Scotland and we hope this exhibition will further elevate his status and secure a statue in his honour.

"Our work with Glasgow Museums has allowed the group to share our story and in doing so we’ve managed to raise £30,000 towards the statue so far.

"It also encouraged other people who had objects and stories about Benny to get in contact and it is a pleasure to see these reflected in the expanded display at People’s Palace.”

The Benny Lynch exhibition is located in the Welcome Room on the ground floor of People’s Palace, Glasgow until the end 2020.