THE Big Top came to Kempsey when village children tried their hands at circus activities.

Kempsey Youth Club leaders arranged for Shooting Stars Circus Skills to run a class at one of the club’s Thursday night sessions. The club, for children of secondary school age from Kempsey, opens 8pm to 9.30pm at the Community Youth Centre on Plovers Rise.

Instructor Paul Grainger from Pershore-based Shooting Stars soon had the young people juggling scarves, spinning plates and learning diabolo tricks. More daredevil activities included unicycles and a bicycle that was impossible to steer.

“It was a brilliant night. All the children had a go and looked like they were having great fun,” said youth club volunteer Rachael Sturley.

“The club relies on grants and members’ 50p entrance fees so we can’t afford to have organised activities often but this was well worth it to see the children’s faces.”

Mr Grainger said: “A few who didn’t think they could have learned to juggle found something they’re good at. I hope they keep on practising at home and develop even more.”

The children said they enjoyed the evening.

Jordan Rowberry, aged 12, said: “My favourite activity was the diabolo. I’d tried it before but didn’t know how to do it properly before the instructor showed me. He was very helpful and brought loads of stuff for us to interact with.”

Joe Butler, 12, said: “The session was really good. I already knew how to juggle but got to learn lots of other new things. I liked the unsteerable bike which was impossible to ride".