Ref. 30154-22BOROUGH solicitor Francis Maples swapped his pinstripes for a bright bow tie and big shoes.

Better known for bringing down defences and prosecuting law-breakers, yesterday Mr Maples brought a smile to children's faces as he arrived at Lethbridge Primary School as a clown to give out sweets.

He dressed up to help promote the tickets sales for Happy's Circus, which will be visiting the Croft Centre on Thursday in aid of the Christ Church Skyline Appeal and for the Lethbridge Parents' Association, which is raising money for a new library at the school.

Speaking after being mobbed by excited children, Mr Maples, 52, said: "I can confirm that the children of Lethbridge School love their sweets."

Mr Maples arrived at the school wearing a large multi-coloured wig, a huge bow tie almost one foot across, bright coloured baggy trousers and two-foot long boots.

He said: "I think we all have to connect with our childhood sometimes, but I think I will stick to the day job.

"I just hope all the children go home and tell their parents they met this clown and tell them about them all about the circus."

Emma Humphries, chairwoman of the parents' association said: "He has made a really good impression on the children. He has been mobbed but I think that might be down to the big bucket of sweets."

Money raised at the circus will be split in half between the Skyline Appeal, which is fundraising for the spire's restoration, and the parents' association.

Tickets are £5 each or £18 for a family ticket of two adults and two children.

The show will start at 6pm and finish at 8pm with a raffle.

Tickets can be bought from either Christ Church parish office on 01793 522832 or by calling Emma Humphries on 01793 618610.