ITV’s The Real Full Monty star Ugo Monye took centre stage in Haslemere to boost The Prostate Project charity.

The former rugby international joined the seven-strong male celebrity line-up in the “live extravaganza” screened in March to raise awareness of men’s cancers and inspire more men to make vital checks that could save lives.

Keen to continue spreading the word, the former British Lions, England and Harlequins rugby player, signed ‘Hare-lequin.’

The Haslemere Hare – sponsored by High Street business Clayton Fine Jewellery – will raise vital funds for The Prostate Project when it goes to auction in September.

Haslemere Mayor David Round and his wife, mayoress Melanie Odell, joined shop owner Keith Clayton in welcoming the star performer, together with Tim Sharp, honorary president of The Prostate Project and fellow charity trustee Robin Smith, the artist Lucianna Cole, and junior fans Harrison Fox and Johnny Dean from the town’s community rugby club.

Admitting it was the first hare he had been asked to sign, Ugo told The Herald: “I’m thrilled to have been asked to do this and the hare is most impressive.

“I’ve heard about Haslemere Hares but this is the first time I’ve come face to face with one.

“The Real Full Monty was a great way for me to raise awareness of prostate cancer.

“Statistics show one-in-four members of the black community will be diagnosed with the disease.

“Diseases don’t normally discriminate, but I feel they do with prostate cancer and it’s one of the biggest killers in the country.

“My role is to represent the black community and raise awareness of what is the most common, but one of the most treatable cancers if it’s caught early.”

The Prostate Project has raised more than £8million to help Guildford’s Royal Surrey County Hospital achieve ‘Centre of Excellence’ status in the treatment of the cancer and build a new urology centre.

It has launched a Buy-a-Brick appeal to raise £2million to finish it. Mr Sharp said: “It’s brilliant Ugo has done this for us.”