Meet the stuntman who's made it from Chesterfield to Hollywood!

James Harris with his Taurus award. Pictures by Jason Chadwick.

James Harris, of Wingerworth, has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood - including Stephen Spielberg, Tom Cruise and Guy Ritchie - and won a prestigious award for his daring work.

The 33-year-old, who has been a gymnast since the age of three, became a stuntman in 2010 - picking up his first role on a Bollywood movie.

Since then James has performed in a number of well-known films including Assassin's Creed, Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Recently he has worked on Walt Disney film Artemis Fowl, which will be released next year.

James said: "The best thing about my job is that I get to help design and perform action on some of the biggest Hollywood projects that come to the UK.

"It's really nice seeing something that you've helped create being shown on the big screen."

He added: "My favourite stunt scene so far would be my part in the bar fight in Kingsman: The Secret Service.

James Harris shows off some of his skills.

"I played a character who fought Colin Firth only to be beaten up and kicked upside down into the bar.

"I also enjoyed falling 25ft to the roof of a car.

"I've done lots of smaller things like explosions, stair falls, wire gags, fire burns and even high falls but suppose I'm still waiting for my dream stunt."

In 2016 James won a Taurus award - the equivalent of an Oscar in stunts - for best fight scene in Kingsman: The Secret Service.

Looking ahead, James said: "I suppose the dream would be to double someone like James Bond.

"I don't have a particular stunt I can't wait to do but think doubling someone of that stature would be a peak in my career for sure."

What advice would he give to people who want to become a stuntman or stuntwoman?

He said: "Gain as many skills as possible - gymnastics, martial arts, cars and bikes, for example.

"Join some agencies to get on-set experience being an extra.

"Contact The British Stunt Register to find out how to apply and steps you need to take to become a member."

He added: "People ask me if I'd ever move to London and my answer is always 'no'.

"I love Derbyshire - it's my home and will always be my home."

• James has just set up a profile on Instagram. Follow him via @mrjamesrharris to see pictures of some of his daring moves.