Daredevil is an understatement when describing the acts at Zippos Circus.

The troupe made Jackson's Field, in City Way, Rochester, its home last week.

I jumped at the chance to join them for a practice session.

Ringmaster Norman Barrett MBE ushered me into the world of travelling showmen through a red velvet curtain.

I met acts wearing sequinned costumes and welcoming smiles.

First, Paula of motorbike stunt performers The Lucius Team, led me into the Globe of Death.

I entered the confined mesh orb, visibly shaking and clutching her tightly.

Two bikers whizzed round us, the smell of petrol filled the air as the vehicles swooped closer.

She told me I'd got off lightly as usually there were five riders in the globe.

They slammed on the brakes and rocked down to the ground.

Paula raised her hand, whooping for joy and I screamed in fear as the vehicle missed me by inches.

Later the team told me one member broke all of their left side after a practice session many years ago.

Norman hauled me out of the treacherous sphere and into the The Timbuktu Tumblers line-up.

The African acrobats, hopped on to each other's shoulders, and suspended one of their members metres off the ground.

Norman said: "You're going to be him."

"What?" I replied in shock. Before I knew it I was dangling in the air.

I felt like the star in the Nativity or a head cheerleader, but one with very sore arms.

I was gently dropped back to Earth and greeted by knife throwing husband and wife Nikol and Toni Novotny.

The couple, from the Czech Republic, enjoy lobbing blades at each-other – Nikol has been a knife thrower since he was 10.

I asked Toni if she'd ever been stabbed before, she said "yes" with a big smile. Brilliant.

I clenched my knees, and tried not to flinch as blades sailed into the wood in-front of my face.

I was giddy with adrenaline once I realised I had survived.

I joined a Cuban skipping team. Revolution Troupe formed a human pyramid before perfectly leaping over 10 rope swings.

Then I was hoisted up into a strongman's arms alongside a boy on his shoulders and a girl on his left side.

Next he started skipping backwards.

The circus blew my mind. It's hard to appreciate the skill and strength involved in the tricks. Often performers make their stunts look effortless and transition to the next feat so quickly it's too fast to comprehend.

To finish off, 3ft 6 acrobat and strongman Paulo dos Santos lifted me over his head, Dirty Dancing fashion. I really did have the time of my life.

To watch the stars push themselves to the limit head to Zippos Circus on:

Saturday, October, 12 Oct - 3pm & 6pm

Sunday, October 13 - 12noon & 3pm

Advance booking is recommended - book online at www.zippos.co.uk or via Dial-a-Seat tel: 0871 210 2100.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office on site.

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