WORLD boxing champion Ricky Hatton has stepped in to help police find a prize boxing belt stolen from a house in Wilmslow.

It is hoped the appeal from the light welterweight champion, pictured right, will give the police hunt some extra punch.

The belt was stolen in a burglary in October and belongs to the winner’s family.

Currently in Las Vegas on the run up to his blockbuster title fight with Floyd Mayweather on December 8, Ricky said: "It takes a lot of blood sweat and tears to win a belt.

"I would be devastated if somebody was to steal one of my belts and if anybody has any information as to the whereabouts of this belt I would ask you to contact your local police station."

Police are appealing directly to the boxing community and beyond.

The belt dates back to 1934 and it was won by Teddy Maguire, the lightweight champion of a tournament which took place at Blackpool Tower.

The tournament was promoted by a Lancashire jeweller, Eli Percival, who designed the belt which features two boxers with their gloves up as the centre piece, surrounded by intricate metal work and chains.

A police spokesman said: "The belt holds great sentimental value.

"The owner is desperate to be reunited with it and is understood to be willing to offer a reward for its safe return."

The officer in the case is DC Dave Worthington of the Pro-active Policing team at Macclesfield Police Station and he can be contacted on 01244 613436.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.