HE WAS the motorcycle stunt king who wowed the crowd at the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in 2014.

Now Jamie Squibb is preparing to make a triumphant return to New Park, Brockenhurst, after being named as the headline act at this year’s show.

The 35-year-old daredevil will stage two performances each afternoon at the three-day spectacular, which begins on July 25.

His high-octane performance at the 2014 show included a dramatic mid-air somersault in front of a near-capacity crowd.

He and a fellow members of his stunt team began their routine by staging a series of gravity-defying tricks in the middle of the arena.

They performed mid-air acrobatics on powerful bikes as the machines leapt the gulf between two ramps positioned about 60ft apart.

Jamie’s back flip had not been announced in advance on the opening day of the show and took the spectators by surprise.

Many gasped in astonishment as he and his bike completed a backward somersault about 40ft above the ground before landing safely.

Jamie, from Devon, was given a thunderous round of applause as he roared out of the arena to prepare for his next performance later in the day.

He staged a similar display at the 2009 New Forest Show, often performing a handstand on the saddle or sitting on the handlebars as his bike soared into the air.

Confirming Jamie’s participation in this year’s show a spokesman said: “He will be returning with Squibfreestyle - his freestyle motocross stunt show.

“The display involves a variation of motocross and involves a variety of stunts and jumps.

“Jamie rides a Kawasaki KXF450 and is a three-times British champion who has ridden all over the world.

“His team will wow the crowds with bike tricks on the ground and in the air.”

Other main ring attractions will include international show jumping, the world-famous Heavy Horse Musical Drive and the Pony Club Mounted Games.

The theme of this year’s event is Best of British, which will be celebrated in a variety of ways.

The spokesman said: “A new section of the show for 2017 is Bake and Cake, a brand new baking competition for amateur bakers young and old from across Hampshire.”

At least 90,000 people from across the south are expected to attend the show.