The pay is not marvellous. The job is short term. The dangers are considerable. But almost 30 people have applied for the job.

They are being interviewed in the big top at a circus in Preston Park, Brighton, for the post of knife thrower's assistant.

The successful applicant will have to stand still and hope that knives being thrown at 60mph really are aimed properly.

Most of them still think the job has glamour. Competition is tough but it's knife work if you can get it.