CIRCUS skills trainer Mini Mansell taught pupils at St Helen Auckland Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, some tips from the big top yesterday.

The four to 11-year-olds learned about juggling, plate-spinning and balancing.

Deputy headteacher Judith Scott said the workshop was organised to provide a funlearning activity for the school's 140 pupils.

She said: "They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and without realising it learned new skills, developed hand-eye co-ordination, discipline and concentration and built up confidence."

The circus skills day was the latest in a series of activity workshops involving outside organisations visiting the school each term.