Clown honoured by King 'has best job in the world'

A clown who has been entertaining audiences in Blackpool for more than 30 years has been included in the King's Birthday Honours.

Laci Endresz - who performs as Mooky the Clown - has been given a British Empire Medal (BEM) for circus entertainment.

He described his life as a clown at Blackpool Tower's circus as being his "calling in life" and "better than any job in the world".

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "There is no feeling in the world like that when you have some people come up to you after the show and say, 'We have been going through a tough time and for two hours we have forgotten about everything in our lives'."

Endresz was born into a circus family, first performing as a clown in his family's show at the age of four.

He joined Blackpool Tower Circus began in 1992, taking on the role of Mooky the Clown in 1999.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism said that since then he had starred as the headline act in every season for an astonishing 27 consecutive years, never missing a single show.

In addition to performing in more than 350 shows each year, he writes and directs the entire circus production.

Endresz said he was "humbled" to receive the BEM, which was "so special for me and my family".

Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Ltd, said: "This award shines a spotlight on a rarely recognised art form and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honour."

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