Boxing binman Rendall Munroe has spent his day off helping to tidy up his neighbourhood.

In a month, the European and Commonwealth champion takes on Mexican Victor Terrazas in his biggest fight yet – the WBC super-bantamweight final eliminator.

But yesterday, he took time out from training to join dozens of schoolchildren and volunteers for the community litter pick in the Morton estate, in Humberstone, Leicester.

The litter-pickers, bolstered by more than 30 pupils from Northfield House and Merrydale schools, gathered at Northfields Neighbourhood Centre, in Brighton Road, a few minutes from Rendall's home.

Rendall told the Mercury: "I'm always happy to support community events like this.

"It's nice to live in an area that's clean and tidy – it shows that people have pride in themselves and their community.

The 29-year-old, who moved to the estate 12 years ago from Belgrave, said: "Living on the estate, I'm aware of problems like anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti.

"It's all about respect. The youths you see hanging around saying they have nothing to do talk about respect, but what they don't realise is the best way to get it is to show respect to others – and that includes respecting their neighbourhood and helping to keep it tidy.

"For example, I've got a basketball and 5-a-side court near my house, but no-one's going to want to use it if it's covered in broken glass and bottles."

The event was organised by city wardens and staff from the Humberstone Neighbourhood Housing team.

Backed by police and Rendall's employers, refuse firm Biffa, it followed a survey of tenants which identified litter, graffiti and vandalism as issues which concerned them. It was also a chance for young boxing fans to meet their hero.

Giovani Sanches, 10, of Northfields, said: "Rendall's my favourite boxer – he's the champ!

"He's very good and also really nice. I think he's going to win by knock-out."

Fellow Northfield House pupil Taylor Dean, 10, of Thurnby Lodge, said: "I met Rendall when he came to our school to talk to us. He's really friendly and you listen to what he says.

"He's going to win the fight."

Teacher Akhtar Sidik, of Northfield House, said: "Rendall's down to earth and the children love it when he visits. He is always looking to make a positive contribution."

The litter-pick coincided with the national Big Tidy Up.

Local councillor Abdul Osman: "The litter-pick was organised after tenants complained about litter, vandalism and graffiti.

"The support of Rendall doesn't hurt."

Rendall works Tuesday to Friday for Biffa, with bin rounds across the city, including Eyres Monsell, Rowlatts Hill, Newfoundpool and Goodwood.

Biffa has given him six weeks off to prepare for the fight at Coventry's Skydome on Saturday, April 23. If he wins, he will have a shot at the WBC super bantamweight world title.