ENTREPRENEUR and stunt rider Andy Hobbs is planning to wow crowds with a new daredevil show in Swindon.

But Mr Hobbs won't just be running the extravaganza he will be starring in it too as one of the lead riders in the Over The Top motorcycle stunt team.

He is putting around £30,000 of his own money into the Swindon Motor Show, Hot Air Balloon and Fun Day which will be held at the Polo Ground, Marlborough Road, on May 28, 29 and 30 when his stunt team are promising be the star attraction.

Mr Hobbs, 38, admits that even though the Over The Top stunt team has been based in the town since 1997, few people in Swindon know about it.

Mr Hobbs said: "Our stunt team travels the country and now we want to put an extra special show for our home town."

Mr Hobbs already has a world record for getting eight people on a quad bike during one stunt. Normally he would get five on at a show, but he plans to repeat the feat for the local crowd.

Fellow team-mates including speedway star Barry Duke and son Kristian will perform a series of death-defying fire acts. Barry will leap through hoops of fire and in another stunt, Kristian sends his motorcycle into a jump, while Barry rides beneath.

Mr Hobbs said: "I've had the opportunity to see all kinds of entertainers all over the country and I only want to bring the best to Swindon.

"This is going to be a not-for-profit event. I have made my money, and now I want to do something for the community to say thank you.

"I want to make sure people come to the show and leave with a smile on their faces."

Already several local car dealers have pledged their support, as have several hot air balloon operators, including a balloon operated by Swedish furniture giant Ikea.

Mr Hobbs is now urging the rest of the town's business community to get behind the event, as well as appealing to townspeople to turn up and show their support.

He said: "I know it can be a success as there is a genuine desire and need for this event to be staged in the town."

"If it gets the necessary backing then it could become an annual Swindon occasion."

For more information contact Andy on 01793 771010 or 07836 204105.

Anthony Osborne