LITTLE ol' Leyland, with its streets littered with memories of an industrial past, is hardly the place you'd expect to find a sensational circus ringmaster!

But it's out with the traditional top hat and tails and in with a lavish, powder blue outfit for Leyland dad-of-two Harvey Feager who has been the ringmaster at Blackpool Tower Circus for more than two decades.

Harvey, of Headley Road, has been cracking the whip in the Las Vegas of the North for the past 21 years -- a job he is would not swap for all the chips in Leyland!

These days, 'Big Top' Harvey is the longest serving family entertainer at the seaside attraction 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.

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 Blackpool 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 -- at the end of the summer he organises a talent show for them."

For information on Blackpool Tower or bookings 01523 292029.