A PROFESSIONAL clown of more than 30 years is performing without make-up, after being asked to “de-clownify” his act in light of the rise of “killer clown” pranks.

Pete Turner, known as Peanut the Clown, had been asked to entertain at a beer festival in Keighley, but the council running the event asked him to “take the clown out” of his act in light of the recent clown craze and for fear of his safety.

Keighley Town Council later contacted the 58-year-old to tell him he could keep the clown in his act, but after a discussion with his daughter he has decided not to use his make-up, instead wearing only a red nose.

“At the moment I’m on egg shells and I’m having to be very careful,” said Mr Turner.

“I haven’t lost any jobs yet through this, but I’ve been asked to take the clown out of my act.”