PARISHIONERS in Durham City were treated to the sight of juggling vicars and clowning clergymen at the weekend.

Bishops mingled with clowns, gymnasts and artists for a celebration of family life at the Ecumenical Family Fun Day in front of Durham Cathedral.

Palace Green was transformed into a colourful carnival as clergymen from all over the country did their bit to entertain and inform the crowds.

The Reverend John Linton, of Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, wowed the crowds with a fire-juggling routine, while the Reverend Roly Bain, of Bristol, raised laughs with his clowning antics.

Fun day organiser Judith Catty said: "Hundreds of people of all ages came to the Palace Green and they seemed to enjoy what they saw.

"These vicars tend to incorporate some of their skills into their everyday jobs, so it's nothing unusual for them."

As well performing vicars, the event also included circus workshops, a drama production and craft workshops and stalls.