Circus job ad gets to the point

Nerves of steel are required from candidates for the job

A dozen people have responded to an advert to become a circus knife thrower's assistant.

Cottle and Austen's Circus placed an ad at a south Wales Job Centre in the hope of filling the post.

The vacancy became open when the last assistant "lost her bottle" and decided to move on.

The person we want has to look the part, have nerves of steel and more faith than the Pope

John Haze, Cottle and Austen's Circus

Resident knife thrower Jadey Hanson was eager to find a budding new assistant to complete his act.

His track record includes hitting his ex-girlfriend on the top of the head - she needed five stitches.

The job description includes standing stock still as 10 knives whiz past the assistant's head twice a day during performances.

A wage of £250 per week and the lure of a spangly costume to wear were expected to entice a number of hopefuls.

A total of 12 people were auditioned for the part in Cardiff on Thursday but the vacancy is still open.

Jayde Hanson: 'A few close shaves'

Circus spokesman John Haze said: "We have someone filling in but we need someone who can do it on a permanent basis.

"The person we want has to look the part, have nerves of steel and more faith than the Pope."

Newport Job Centre said few applicants had taken up the prospect of running away to the circus.

'Not enticing'

"We have only had four enquiries about the position," said the job centre spokesman.

"There is not a huge demand for knife-thrower's assistants.

"Perhaps the career prospects are not very enticing."

Cottle and Austen's big top is due to move on to Newport after an Easter run in Cardiff.

The circus caused a stir at Cardiff Football Club last week when it offered to lend its voodoo act to bless the Ninian Park turf.

The team - already deep in the Division Two relegation zone - turned the offer down and promptly lost 4-0 at home.