SHOPPERS were treated to a deft display of skill in Blackburn town centre this weekend at Guinness World Record holder John Farnworth's Football Fiesta.

The freestyle football king wowed crowds with his blend of football tricks, dance and magic at a free event held outside Blackburn Market on Saturday.

Mr Farnworth's show included flicks, kicks, ball balances and skipping in time to a pumping soundtrack.

The 31-year-old, who is from Longridge, appears regularly on children's TV with his alter ego Farnworth being the CBBC mascot.

'Farnworth' has performed at FA Cup games up and down the country as well as on the CBBC's Match of the Day kickabout.

He also visits schools and tours the country with his Football Magic Live show.

Mr Farnworth said: "It is great to be in Blackburn and showing people what I do.

"My show is geared towards people young and old.

"My main message is that you can always get better at something if you practice.

"I've been doing it for 14 years and am always working on new things and enjoy getting better."

Mr Farnworth said he has a broad skill set including freestyle football and dance as well as performing magic.

"It is a mix of what I enjoy doing. I just like learning and performing," he added.

Shopper Gemma Smith described it as 'brilliant'.

She said: "I like the bit where he was walking with the ball balanced on his foot and the jokey side to it. He was pointing out people taking pictures."

Her son Tyler, 7, said he has his own trick of spinning the ball on the end of his finger.

He said: "I liked it. My favourite bit was at the end when he did a back flip."

Kirsty Armstead, 30, who was watching with her four children, said: "It was brilliant and the kids loved it.

"We just came into town to do our shopping so it was a nice diversion.

"I have seen him on the television before. My favourite was when he flicked it round his head. That was awesome."

Youngsters could also practice tricks of their own as well as take part in a full-size table football game.