Cameron Ivors talked the talk when he asked circus owners for help with a charity appeal. Now it's time for him to walk the walk - 20ft in the air.

The NTL customer services adviser had asked if he could collect cash for a sponsored cycle outside Zippos Circus on Hove Lawns.

But after delivering his sales pitch, he was told he would only be allowed to shake his tin if he agreed to walk the high wire first.

Cameron, 44, whose hobbies include nothing more strenuous than reading, writing and cycling along Brighton seafront, will keep his side of the bargain tomorrow in front of a packed crowd.

As members of the audience hold their breath he will be led across the inch-wide wire high above the ring by Chico Marinhos.

For 21-year-old Chico, who has been part of his family's high-wire act since he was four, it will be nothing unusual.

But it will be the bravest thing Cameron, of Findon Road, Brighton, has ever done. Especially since he's afraid of heights.

The former actor is planning to cycle across the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society. He needs to find a minimum of £2,300 for a place.

Cameron went along on Tuesday to practice his high wire act.

Wearing a safety line he nervously clambered up the circus rigging to a platform perched high above the sawdust.

He said: "It was hard taking that first step and although I knew it was best not to look down I had to see where I was putting my feet.

"I could see the safety net and the ring below and realised just how high up I really was.

"I was holding on to Chico for all I was worth and I was surprised he hadn't got fractured shoulders by the time we made it across.

"Now I've got it all to do again in front of a live audience."

Zippos Circus is on Hove Lawns until August 26. Tickets can be booked on 0871 2102100.