Ref. 25629-15TEACHERS at Pinehurst Junior School know just how to juggle the pressures of the classroom after calling in the services of a Norwegian circus performer.

Thor Hauknes and his son Bjorn Olav, 15, were busy teaching the children clown skills last week for a special end of term performance for their parents yesterday.

Head teacher Steve Hobbs said: "When I met Thor at a conference on creativity in education I could see the potential of circus skills.

"Sometimes I worry that the straightjacket of the curriculum can take some joy out of learning.

"It has been really exciting to see the concentration of the children learning these new skills. They are so motivated about their learning and it has made such a difference to their self-esteem."

Thor was equally delighted with the response. "It's great to see how quickly the children have picked up plate spinning.

"Learning a new skill can bring real confidence to some children," he said.