Controversial boxing champ Tyson Fury was enlisted to support Cheshire Police Special Constables at Tatton Park as part of National Specials Weekend (June 4/5).

The Specials had a presence at Tatton Park Classic Car Festival as well as Chester city centre, and Knutsford Makers market on Saturday and Sunday.

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World heavyweight champion Fury, who happened to be visiting Tatton Park, was happy to pose with a Special for a snap that was tweeted by Cheshire Specials with the caption read: “Tyson Fury thinks Cheshire Specials are a KNOCKOUT ! #TattonPark #volunteersweek #ivolunteer.”

Tyson Fury

And Crewe Police got in on the act by responding on Twitter: “Fantastic pic and great to see the heavyweight champion of the world supporting the Police!”

Fury, from Wythenshawe in Manchester, is a controversial figure who had to apologise last month after making homophobic, sexist and anti-Semitic remarks in an hour-long video rant which prompted the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) to call for the heavyweight champion to be barred from the sport.

His rematch against Wladimir Klitschko, the long reigning champion he defeated to take the title, will be held at Manchester Arena on July 9.

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Despite such outbursts, the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ was greeted with warmth by many members of the public at Tatton Park who bumped into the champ.

Brad Bradley tweeted: “@Tyson_Fury it was a pleasure to meet you today at tatton park champ thanks for the photo #topman #WorldChampion.”

Fan Nick Edmondson dared to take the mickey out of the boxer, who stands at 6ft 9 inches, for wearing pink shorts.

He tweeted: “@Tyson_Fury saw you today fella @tatton_park car show (only you could get away with that colour of shorts) - looking trim and ready.”

And Adam Benson wrote on Twitter: “@Tyson_Fury had the privilege of shaking your hand at Tatton park today over by the jeep. Sorry for interrupting you. Your a gent! #Champ.”

Tyson Fury wasn’t the only celebrity to back the Specials.

Former Tory cabinet minister Edwina Currie was in Chester city centre supporting the ‘Remain’ campaign ahead of the June 23 referendum when she posed with the Specials at their stand in Town Hall Square. And in Knutsford, the Specials had their picture taken with cheese-maker Sean Wilson who used to play Martin Platt in Coronation Street.

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Special Constabulary Chief Officer Celvyn Jones said: “The National Specials Weekend is designed to showcase the tremendous work Special Constables carry out across our communities and how they keep those who live, work and visit Cheshire safe each and every day.”

Cheshire Chief Constable Simon Byrne urged members of the public to find out more about how they can help support Cheshire Police and their community by getting involved.

He said: “We are seen as having one of the most progressive special constabularies in the country.”

Follow Cheshire Police Special Constabulary on Facebook or @CheshPolSC on Twitter to find out more.