A 99-year-old Leicestershire woman celebrated turning 100 by being driven at by motorbikes in the middle of the ring at an extreme circus. War veteran Annie Duplock, from Sharnford, even got to sample the "Globe of Death" when she took centre stage at Circus Extreme on Thursday night.

The former Land Army girl said she had always dreamed of joining the circus since becoming part of a promotional team for a travelling show at the age of 70. But now, Annie's dream has come true after she took to the stage at Birmingham's NEC, with the centenarian having extreme drift bike riders zooming past her at high speeds.

The show - describing itself as the "world's most extreme circus" - said they were delighted to help Annie become their "latest stuntwoman". Annie told SWNS: "I've really enjoyed it. It was brilliant. It's never too late to follow your dreams, I would like to come back again. It was a great adventure."

READ MORE: Woman, 99, achieves dream of being knife-thrower’s target in circus performance

Annie's daughter Sandra Mcguckin had approached circus owner Anthony Anderson about her mum's long life dream of stepping in to the circus ring. Anthony said: "I have know Annie for 30 years, we used to put up posters together when I first started my career in show business. She is an absolute delight and a great laugh. I jumped at a chance of giving her a perfect gift for her 100th Birthday."

This is the second circus act that Annie has been invited to take part in for her landmark birthday, with Annie previously having knives thrown at her during a live circus performance last month. Having previously worked for Zippo Circus, she was given the chance to be the final at of a show at Hearsall Common in Coventry.

She was introduced by Zippo Circus founder Martin Burton, who said: “Annie worked for me 30 years ago, putting up posters. Annie was 70 years old then and she is 100 years old this August.” The circus founder told the audience Annie had seen the show the night before and asked him to be part of the knife-thrower’s performance for her 100th birthday treat. Annie said at the time: “I’ve always wanted to have knives thrown at me!”

Annie also got the chance to go into the "Globe of Death" at Circus Extreme
Annie also got the chance to go into the "Globe of Death" at Circus Extreme

READ NEXT: