GAZETTE & HERALD: STAGE hypnotist Rod Scarth, dubbed Chippenham's answer to David Blaine, has been invited to Sri Lanka to show off his skills.

Mr Scarth, of Ladyfield Road, will be leaving his wife Anthea and seven children behind when he heads for a month of sunshine in Sri Lanka, performing stage hypnotism at a tourist complex.

The former plumber retrained as a stage hypnotist nine years ago.

He is self taught and his stage programme includes hypnotising men into believing they are giving birth, or have rubber noses.

Mr Scarth has recently spent three months in Corfu putting on his show for tourists, where he said he was first dubbed as the next David Blaine.

On his latest trip he will be staying at Negumbo in Sri Lanka from December 8 to January 8.

Mr Scarth was first drawn to hypnotism after he visited a practising hypnotist for treatment.

He was so impressed that he went on to study psychology, neuro-linguistic programming and hypnotism.

He said he was still continuing his studies.

"I personally don't think stage hypnotism is dangerous. I've never yet had any problems." he said.

"When you talk to someone you can see what sort of personality they are, and if they are or aren't suitable for the show. It's something you have to be aware of."