FORTUNATELY for relieved parents, lion taming and the high trapeze were not included in a special circus skills course organised for Calne children.

The children, aged between eight and 13, were taught how to juggle, spin plates, hoola hoop and do tricks with a diablo, balanced on a length of string.

But none of the 30 children were in danger of taking the two-hour sessions, held at the Coleman's Farm Learning and Community Centre, in Angel's Close, too seriously because they were organised by clowns.

The course was held over ten weeks and culminated in a show at the centre where the children dressed up in clothes provided by circus performers Robbo and Jackie, who work with Youth Action Wiltshire.

There were concerns that people might not come so, armed with a loud drum and dressed in full costume, Robbo and the children walked around the estate encouraging people to roll up for the circus.

Calne Family Action Group chairman Maria Dimond said: "The building was full and the children put on a fantastic show and everyone had a great time. The course was something a bit different for the children where they could go and keep themselves occupied."

The course was given financial support from Barnardo's community development scheme.

Mrs Dimond said course organisers were very grateful for help from volunteers and Sainsbury's, which donated juggling balls to the scheme for the children to practise with.