Lindsey Butcher is used to performing her death-defying antics in front of dazzled crowds.

But her latest exploits were watched by people the world over as she provided a dramatic start to the Commonwealth Games during a £12 million opening ceremony in Manchester.

Suspended from a heliosphere, a floating tethered orb 55m above the ground, Lindsey performed a series of tumbles and pirouettes.

The aerialist, a term describing her curious form of acrobatics and contortions, entered the stadium carrying the symbolic baton which had been touched by 9,000 people and travelled through 22 Commonwealth countries.

Since leaving Buckingham Palace on March 11, the baton has crossed 31 nations, a journey of more than 63,000 miles, making it the longest sports and community relay completed.

As Lindsey, from Brighton, descended she passed the baton to athlete Denise Lewis and then to 15-year-old Sarah Leadbetter, whose opportunity was provided courtesy of a Blue Peter contest.

A crowd of 38,000 people watched as Lindsey performed twists and turns.

Lindsey was nominated for the baton relay because of her contribution to the Brighton community and for improving the lives of others.

She has starred at local events, including the Brighton Festival.