CIRCUS thrills brought a touch of excitement to end-of-term presentations at Richmond School.

Jugglers and unicyclists from the school's circus skills club performed as year eight pupils were given their achievement folders on Thursday of last week.

The highlight was seeing students juggle with fire after months of practising at the weekly club and at home.

Calum Clark, aged 13, from Richmond, could already juggle when he joined the sessions run by teacher, Andrew Mollitt. "It took me about four months to learn to juggle with fire," he said.

"The first time you do it it's quite scary, but you soon build up confidence and it's just like juggling with balls or clubs."

Classmate Fiona Hunt, also aged 13 and from Richmond, enjoys juggling so much that she has her own fire clubs to practise at home. She also teaches juggling alongside Chuckles the Clown - alias Ron Wood, of Richmond.

"I couldn't juggle at all before I joined the club and now I really enjoy it," said Fiona. "We practise at school but I have my own fire clubs at home, though mum always gets worried when I use them."

Both said the secret of juggling success lay in hand-eye co-ordination. "It improves sports skills such as tennis and other ball games," said Fiona.

Calum added: "I also do unicycling, which helps your general balance and fitness."

* Year ten pupils at the school rounded off the term by giving presentations on their work experience to employers, staff and parents. A total of 255 youngsters worked at a variety of places, including hotels, garages, veterinary surgeries, tourist attractions and retailers, for two weeks earlier in the term.

The aim is to provide young people with a taste of the world of work.

About 20 employers were due to attend the presentations yesterday afternoon.