IT'S out with the traditional top hat and tails and in with a lavish, powder blue outfit for Blackpool's new ringmaster.

Harvey Feager has been a children's entertainer in Blackpool for the past 21 years -- a job he would not swap for all the chips on the prom! And he has just finished his first season as Blackpool Tower's whip cracking lord of the rings.

These days, 'Big Top' Harvey, of Leyland, is the longest serving family entertainer at the Tower and there is no doubt circus life is right up his street.

"I love the circus, you get to work with people from all over the world and we all have such a wonderful time -- show business brings people together and I love the look upon the children's faces because I was a child myself once.

"It's quite a strange thing for someone to do who comes from Leyland and it often surprises people because it's not like circus life is in my blood," Harvey said.

After being taught to play the trumpet by his dad, Harvey trailed the pubs and clubs of Preston and Leyland to earn a bob-or-two and later played for audiences at the Tower.

Bosses were so impressed by Harvey's performance they signed him up to entertain crowds full time and last year following a retirement he was promoted to circus ringmaster.

He said: "I've worked in there for so long I see children I used to entertain coming back all grown up with their children. I present the show and I take part in sketches -- the circus is an all-human circus -- my favourite acts in the show are the dare devil trapeze artists and wire walkers."

Harvey also runs a five-day summer children's work shop at the Tower, under his stage-name 'The Man With The Big Glasses', teaching juggling, plate spinning and how to spin a bobbin on string -- with a Tower diploma for those taking part.

Kate Lamb, spokesman for Blackpool Tower, said: "He is the best circus ring leader I have ever seen, he entertains the children with such gusto -- they love him. His workshops start in the afternoon so he is talking to children day and night."