Andrew Chalmers is a single-minded youngster.

The 14-year-old has decided to ditch the usual boys' favourite BMX cycle and skateboard in favour of a unicycle.

Andrew, from Piercebridge, near Darlington, took only an hour to master the notoriously tricky business of getting about on one wheel.

His interest was sparked after seeing a friend ride a unicycle around the village.

Another friend from the neighbouring village of Manfield happened to be loaning a unicycle from a circus skills club, and so Andrew was able to try it for himself.

Before long, he was whizzing about the village on the contraption, and since then he has hardly been out of the saddle.

But despite his somewhat precocious talents, Andrew says he has no intention of pursuing a career as a circus performer.

The year nine pupil at Hummersknott Comprehensive School, Darlington, said: "At first, people in the village were shocked to see a unicycle, but now they are used to seeing me riding around. I go just about everywhere on it.