CHILDREN from a city school didn't have to run away to join the circus - it came to them this week.

Professor Fiddlesticks, alias John Cossham, visited Manor School, in York, to pass on a few tips in advance of a production of Barnum, which will be held by the youngsters, later this year.

Members of the cast were able to try their hands at stilt-walking, uni-cycling and juggling before the summer show, which goes on stage at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, in July.

Teacher Alison Grace was impressed by some of the children's abilities.

"They did very well, specially the younger ones; they were absolutely brilliant,'' she said