The death-defying trapeze is in Leyland with the legendary Billy Smart's Circus.

And the Evening Post was invited to try it out – with nothing but a net and safety harness to protect us as we swung 24ft in the air.

Anton Von Ostendorf, Paul Tracogna, Ronelle Verger, Brett Del Port, Sonia Nuñez and Carlos Cabana formed the group in 2006.

Carlos, 28, joined the Florida State University Circus while studying for a physiology degree.

He said: "Some people join the circus because they don't want a regular job. But circus people often wonder what that's like.

"I love to travel so working for a circus means I get to see all these places."

And while most of the acts in the circus are originally from abroad, they argue that Britain is the best place.

Carlos added: "The weather isn't the best, but the audiences more than make up for that."

As well as the trapeze, the circus' 50 performers include Mexican clown Chico Rico, foot juggler Miss Uelon-Jon and magician Ross Presto.

Dubbed "the greatest in Europe," Billy Smart's Circus was formed in 1946 and was a massive success. The circus stopped travelling in 1971, but was resurrected 30 years later and is entertaining a new generation.

Billy Smart's Circus is at Leyland's Worden Park until Sunday, with shows twice a day. For tickets, call 0870 444 1505.

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