When David Hibling was four years old, he announced to his family that he was going to be a circus ringmaster.

They did not believe him but the idea stuck in Newhaven-born David's head.

He had been bitten by the performing bug and at 17 he joined a circus, mucking out the horses.

He said: "Throughout my childhood the circus had always been important. I used to put on back garden circuses for my friends. It became a standard joke at school but it was an all-consuming passion and has remained so ever since.

"My parents were very worried. My father wanted me to get a proper job but now they have travelled with me a lot and are very proud.

"I joined the circus as a horse groom mucking out stables. I quite enjoyed it and did it for about six years.

"Then on one tour they were looking for a ringmaster and I think I fitted the suit."

Soon David, 43, became a freelance ringmaster. During 26 years in the circus he has travelled to Japan, the USA, Canada and Europe.

He has been artistic director of Zippos Circus, visiting Hove this month, for the last seven years.

He said: "The circus is changing but it is as popular as ever.

"I think culturally the Europeans are more open to it as an art form. We have an image in this country it is for children but it is great family fun.

"We try to present a traditional circus with a modern feel.

"As a creative director I always love the circus opening. It has the most amazing dance. It is an incredible celebration of the physical skills of Olympic champions blending spectacularly with the grace, beauty and rhythm of a dancer.

"It is so visual that it's accessible to everyone. Although certain elements are appealing to children, I defy anyone to not find something amazing about a circus performance."

Although David, of College Road, Kemp Town, Brighton, performs less than he used to, he still loves his job and describes it as a life choice rather than a career.

He has acted as ringmaster at the last circus world championships.

David said: "It has all been pretty amazing. It's such a unique, weird lifestyle. The one defining moment for me was standing backstage for the world championships in front of 3,000 spectators just before going on to make the opening announcement.

"I recalled the little boy of four proudly announcing to his family, and here I was.

"Becoming an accepted part of the community and a respected performer as a result of travelling the world has always been a great thrill for me.

"In the days when the circus was dominated by the old circus families it was much more a closed shop.

"But these days, with the huge interest in circus skills and physical theatre, there is a great blurring of lines and there are more people interested in circus skills coming from the outside.

"The great thing about the circus community is everybody takes part. The difference between the circus and the theatre is the demarcation between jobs. Everyone mucks in."

David's job as creative director with Zippos Circus means he travels less than he used to but he has become more involved with organising the performances.

He said: "One of the hardest things is making sure the performance is fresh. It is amazing. I have great respect for the performers. Each town they go to is like an opening night."

In time David would like to open his own small circus in the South of France with half a dozen performers.

He said : "When I was four I gave my heart to the circus and for 40 years it has looked after that heart. It has bruised it but the circus has never broken it."

Zippos Circus is at Hove Lawns near the King Alfred Leisure Centre from August 16 to 28.

Performances are daily at 3pm and 7pm except Wednesday, August 22.

Tickets are available on 07050 121416 or 07050 131517, or from www.zipposcircus.co.uk