Ref. 30824-58BIG-TOP fun has gone down a treat at a Swindon school.

Youngsters have been learning the finer points of juggling and plate-spinning at workshops.

The Year Seven classes at Churchfields School will now demonstrate their newfound circus skills at a special show for parents in three weeks' time.

They are researching all aspects of circuses for a Key Stage 3 project.

Head of drama, Dawn Newstead, explained that the 12 and 13-year-olds had already delved into the history and traditions of the circus.

And some hands-on experience helped bring their research alive.

The Circomedia circus workshop group, based at Bristol Technology College, passed on top tips to the children.

The group is used to wowing audiences with acts such as spinning one another in the air from suspended strips of cloth, but the school opted for some less dangerous activities.

These included juggling with clubs and balls, tumbling, plate spinning and the tricky skill of operating the Diablo the spinning drum balanced on a string between two sticks.

Ms Newstead said: "Everybody had great fun at the two workshops we held.

"It was good to be out in the open air, and it was also lovely to see them concentrating so hard while enjoying themselves so much."

Barrie Hudson