That daring young man on the flying trapeze must now wear a safety hat!

A safety firm has offered its services to the daring performers of the Moscow State Circus after they were ordered to don hard hats when carrying out their death-defying stunts.

The circus has been performing all week at Glyne Gap (hatless), but if insurance experts have their way it could be the last time in the big top without protective head gear.

The Moscow State Circus, which features the cream of Russia's gymnastic talent, was half way through a UK tour when it heard safety hats may have to be worn if they expected any insurance pay outs.

Enterprise Safety Limited, based near Haslemere, has helped the travelling troope with a range of hard hats, normally used for rock climbing. Staff have even offered to supply hat hats in the shape of a cossack hat.

Health and safety experts and insurance companies are currently at loggerheads over the issue.

The circus argues the hats would do more harm than good, obscuring vision and putting the 40 performers off balance. General manager Paul Archer said "It's a bizarre state of affairs.

"Even if we covered the hats with fur and sequins it would take away from the spectacle of the event. The skill and danger involved is the very essence of the circus."

The circus includes many high risk acts, including the highest indoor high wire walk up four separate inclines and Eskines flying trapeze, but Mr Archer insists the troope have no safety fears.

He said "The Russian performers are highly talented people, they train for five years before being allowed to tour.

"In Russia health and safety regulations are nowhere near so tight so they are all bemused by the thing."

Andrey Bezruchenko, 34, has been touring with the company for 15 years and holds the world record for the longest somersault.

He said "I would not be happy wearing a hat, I do not need it. The only serious accident I have had was when I broke my leg, I would not have needed the hat then."

Dominic Halliwell, general manager of Enterprise Safety Limited said "It surprises me that no one has got their teeth into this issue before. I think it's utterly ludicrous, but we would be happy to help."

The Moscow State Circus will be at Glyne Gap until Sunday.

Weekdays 3pm and 8pm. Weekends 2pm and 5pm.