He's been chased by security guards in supermarkets and incurred the wrath of religious leaders outside the Vatican.

But it’s all for a good cause. For Jon Smallwood, known as Dorset’s headstand king, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by performing headstands in some of the unlikeliest of places around the world.

His latest exploits include a tandem skydive to raise money for CLIC Sargent which supports children and young people with cancer.

“I did a headstand in the plane before we took off but they wouldn’t let me skydive upside down or land on my head! I also did a headstand at the breakfast table in the airfield restaurant as it netted me a few pounds from the pilots who were in there.”

The 54-year-old who lives in Wimborne, decided to raise money by doing headstands wherever requested.

Jon has had personal experience of cancer having battled leukaemia three years ago.

“I used to think that if you had cancer you would die but now I know you can still have fun and live life to the full,” he said.

Last year John raised £1,400 for the Eve Appeal after one of his friends, Angie Simms from Corfe Mullen, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now his aim is to get people to donate £10 for him to perform a headstand at their favourite local landmark for a charity calendar.

“I will basically do a headstand wherever requested as long as people pay some money for charity so if you have any good ideas do let me know.”