<b>By Ivor Traktor, Farming Correspondent

A farmworker who used a baling machine to turn himself into an agricultural version of SpongeBob Squarepants is now in demand as a children's party entertainer.</b>

Greg Smith, 32, caused a sensation in Suffolk when he stripped naked and launched himeself into his hay baler.



He then emerged on the conveyer belt out of the back of the machine, sandwiched in a hay bale and closely resembling the popular TV character who lives under the sea.

The incident, at a potato farm near Bildeston run by Mr Maurice Piper, was caught on camera and quickly went viral around the surrounding villages.

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Now Mr Smith, who has worked for Mr Piper since he was 17, is being asked bring his farm machinery and perform at kids parties.

"It started as a joke, and we certainly had a good laugh when I baled myself. It didn't hurt, but I would not recommend anyone else tries it.

"Since the video got out I have baled myself at several children's parties. I get £50 each time I do it, and pay Mr Piper 20% of it for the use of his farm machinery.

"So long as it's not the busy harvesting period I'm happy to turn up and perform at events. Unfortunately this means most summer fetes are out of the question."

Mr Piper told the Suffolk Gazette: "At first I was angry with Greg for messing about when he was meant to be working. But now I can see it has put farming in a good light, and everyone needs a smile these days."

