“I’M no Sid the Sexist” is the message from Darlington’s newest celebrity, Sparta Security’s Francis Jones.

Mr Jones came under fire last week after the first episode of BBC3 series Rent a Cop saw him admit to paying for a saleswoman’s boob job to encourage business.

The boxer and born-again Christian is currently in the limelight as the colourful star of a documentary following the staff of Darlington’s Sparta Security.

Rent a Cop documents the exploits of the company’s owner Mr Jones and his staff as they attempt to make the town a safer place.

Mr Jones today dismissed claims of sexism, saying it made sense to pay for office manager and saleswoman Rachel Bruce’s new breasts as they would appeal to 99 per cent of businessmen.

He said: “I’m no Sid the Sexist, I’d much rather deal with women than hairy men.

“Most men like women and it’s my opinion that when blinded with a pair of breasts, it would entice a number of men to buy business.

“It’s a fact, sex sells – I’m no sexist, I’m a red-blooded male and I know others are the same.”

Ms Bruce said the clip was taken out of context and defended Mr Jones, saying she wanted the surgery and he had offered, as a friend, to pay for it.

She said: “Plastic surgery is blasé these days, it’s just the latest beauty treatment.

“If you’re not happy with your body, like I wasn’t, who wouldn’t get it done?

“Of course it helps business, men like to look at boobs – it’s an Adam and Eve thing.

”Francis isn’t sexist.”

Mr Jones also hit out at critics who claim the show is portraying Darlington in a bad light.

He said a documentary series following a security firm was likely to show a negative side of the town but said the show also focused on positive efforts to help the community.

He said: “People say it’s showing Darlington in a bad light and I’d ask them if they’re doing anything to show it in a good light.

“Francis Jones is helping people in this town and I’d like to take a look at their lives and see what rainbows and sunshine they’re bringing to Darlington.”

Mr Jones was speaking out ahead of a charity boxing match taking place at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Friday, November 13.

In an event being filmed for Rent a Cop’s Christmas episode, he will take to the ring against boxer Dan Lennon.

The fundraising evening is being staged to support the hospital helping a County Durham mother, Rachel Hetherington, care for her terminally ill baby Briannah.

Tickets can be purchased from Sparta Security by calling 01325-253135.

*What do you think of the show? Leave a comment online at thenorthernecho.co.uk, or white to Hear All Sides with your views.