The job is big enough to have any cobbler shaking in his boots.

But to keep on clowning, Tweedy, of Zippo's Circus, needs new soles for his size 37 shoes.

Walking from Hove Lawns to Brighton every day promoting the circus has taken its toll on Tweedy's custom-made shoes.

Now he needs a rather special cobbler to repair them.

A circus spokesman said: "He's been with us for five years and has always had the same pair.

"They have been worn down by his clowning around."

A repair job on his footwear would be better for Tweedy than buying new shoes, because a pair's price tag is no joke.

The black shoes with a white trim - made of a synthetic material because Tweedy is a vegetarian and will not wear leather - cost about £150.

The slapstick clown is one of a troupe of five who will entertain the crowds in the big top on Hove Lawns until Tuesday.

Circus organisers hopes the Argus will be able to find a cobbler up to the feat of doing Tweedy's repairs so he can keep on clowning.

Anyone who can help should visit the circus.