BUSINESSMAN Bruce Carter used some Far Eastern inspiration to get his head around a building problem.

Design repro printer Bruce, of Raydon Typesetters, Fairhaven, was desperate to break some awkward stone to use for work being carried out on his Victorian property in Pollux Gate, Lytham.

But he's better at breaking up squabbles between sons Ben, 6, and George, 4, than lumps of brick.

So he called in the experts.

Bruce, his wife Dawn and children witnessed the ground-breaking talents of the brick-bashing Kung Fu team in the Chinese State Circus at Chester recently. And it gave him an idea...

He said: "They were amazing. I was really impressed by their skill. They used sledge hammers to break boulders of brick which are balanced on their heads.

"I got talking to some of the performers after the show and casually mentioned to them that I could use some of the rubble created from their act.

"And I jokingly asked if they'd like to come along and smash a few boulders for me.

"The next thing I knew they were on the phone making an appointment."

The Kung Fu team from the circus travelled to Fairhaven on Tuesday and, helpfully, broke Bruce's boulders.

Hard hats were not required but hard heads definitely were!

The Chinese State Circus will perform at Fylde Rugby Club's Ground, Woodlands Road, Ansdell, until Saturday (25 May). Further details from the Box Office tel (07030) 190190.