Saltburn man Guy Belshaw has set up his own business - as a juggler, magician and circus tutor.
The 22-year-old former pea-picker became interested in circus tricks while working in the vegetable and fruit farms of England, Holland and Denmark.
He can juggle all sorts of objects - skittles, clubs, knives and the diablo, an egg timer-shaped object held between two wooden sticks.
"When I worked on farms, I'd often be finished by noon. I had lots of spare time and I could either go out and spend all my wages, or save my cash by doing something else instead," said Mr Belshaw, a former Huntcliff School pupil.
"I picked strawberries, peas, cherries and bulbs. Lots of other farm workers juggled or performed tricks. I had a go myself and enjoyed it. My interest just grew from there."
He has named his business Disguys and has had advice from the InBiz organisation, which has offices at Redcar and Stockton. He talked his ideas through with business adviser and received help with accountancy, book-keeping and other aspects of commerce. He embarked on a New Deal employment scheme and now entertains and leads workshops at schools, pubs and private venues.
"I realised I didn't want to go to college or work for someone else. I fancied running my own business. This is a bit irregular and I don't work normal hours, but I'm hopeful the business will grow. I'm doing some work in local schools, involving games and activities."
What did his friends think? "They've seen my tricks and wished me all the best. But I haven't told them all, yet."
Saltburn was a good place to be based, he said. "There's a juggling community here and we had a juggling club. There are parties and drumming clubs. All sorts of things go on in Saltburn.
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