TEENAGE boxing sensation Amir Khan is pulling no punches in his latest role - as ambassador for the NSPCC.

The 19-year-old from Bolton encouraged children to be brave and speak out if they are suffering cruelty. His NSPCC appointment was officially announced today.

Amir said it was "an honour" to take up the ambassador's role, which will see him work with NSPCC schools teams, talking to children about abuse and how to get help.

"I am lucky that I have always had friends and family around me, encouraging me to follow my dreams. Some children just dream of a life free from abuse and cruelty.

"I hope my appointment will encourage more children to have confidence to speak out and believe in themselves," he said.

Amir is already an official celebrity supporter for United Nations' children's charity, Unicef, and has helped raise funds for its Children and Aids campaign.

Last year he ran the Wilmslow half marathon, raising nearly £10,000 for Unicef and £23,500 to support Oxfam's work helping earthquake victims in Pakistan.

As an NSPCC ambassador, Amir joins singers Kylie Minogue and Peter Andre, sporting greats Jonny Wilkinson and Alan Shearer, and Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones.