SOMERSET boxing fans are mourning the loss of former world champion Ricky Hatton.

The star, 46, was found dead at his Manchester home on Sunday, with his family paying tribute to a man with “a heart as big as his smile”.

Greater Manchester Police said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances around his passing.

Now, Frome venue the Cheese and Grain has paid tribute to the former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion, who appeared before fans in Somerset during a special ‘An Evening with…’ show in February.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend Ricky Hatton,” a Cheese and Grain spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

“A world champion at both light-welterweight and welterweight, he will leave an indelible mark on the world of boxing, with the many heartfelt tributes already pouring in from the sports biggest names testament to this.

Ricky Hatton appeared at the Cheese and Grain in Frome in February. Picture: Google

“We were lucky enough to host an evening with him back in February, a true gentleman with a raft of stories from his decades in the public eye, with a genuine appreciation for the hundreds of fans that had come to see him.”

Hatton’s family said: “”He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly.”

READ MORE: Frome news from your Somerset Leveller