DON'T try this at home!

Astonishing stunts are taking place at the Chinese State Circus in Hampshire, including the breathtaking 'human hammer' performance by masters-of-action Gao Ding and He Yaun.

They belong to a travelling troupe of artists ranging from contortionists and kung-fu experts to gymnasts.

For one of the workers, Debbie McPherson, the circus's arrival in Southampton means a trip down memory lane.

She said: "My father was from Southampton but ran away to join the circus when he was 13.

"That makes me a second generation circus girl. My family are all from Southampton, so it's nice to come back and see everybody."

Debbie said the circus, which is at Bursledon Road, Southampton, until Monday marks a revival in English circus going.

"It's all human skills. We have no animals, and all our performers are highly trained. They are picked at about four or five years old for their gymnastic ability and they continue training right through their lives.

"People are often surprised at the skill level."

Highlights of the current show include identical twins standing on each other's heads, kung-fu experts smashing bricks on their heads and women balancing on stacks of chairs.

Traditional lion dancers and uni-cyclists on rolling globes also feature in the two-hour show.

For more information and to book tickets call 07030 190 190.