A PRESTON circus school is set to branch out thanks to a new bus.

The Preston Community Circus School used to be confined to their regular meeting place, at the West View Leisure Centre, West View, Preston.

But now, thanks to a grant, the group will be able to introduce their acrobatic skills to fans across the whole of Preston.

June Barberel, organiser of the school, said: "We got a grant for £2,000 from the Greater Deepdale Partnership, and £1,000 from the company that bought the bus through an auction.

"This means that the bus will be for the local community to use too, not just for us. Groups within Deepdale will be able to use the bus when we are not using it.

"We thought we were just going to get a little mini-bus, but it turned out to be like a proper bus!"

Thanks to the bus the school will be able to transport their larger equipment, like the spectacular walking balls, and the tightrope wire.

June said: "Now we have got the bus we will be able to get into more schools, and carry our larger equipment in it too.

"If we can introduce a few youngsters to this then perhaps we will be able to show them that there is a different kind of future open to them.

"If we can get people interested then we can start to bring in some special tutors. Most schools have tutors that might not have actually performed in a circus, but our tutors will have.

"We've got Steve Royle from Camelot, and Velry Iddin from the Moscow State Circus willing to do some master-classes.

"Even if children go away just able to juggle three balls then at least it has taught them something new. And it if helps to give them confidence then that is great as well.

"It also helps to introduce them to other people and cultures, and I think they do benefit from that."

A spokesman for the Greater Deepdale Partnership said: "It's great for the kids.

"It's going to be for young people, to take them to events and workshops -- to develop their skills towards employment and education."

And the bus has a promising future, with local groups already queuing up to use it.

June said: "We've already got a couple of sports groups who are interested in borrowing it to go away to away matches -- basketball and football teams."

Budding clowns and acrobats can join the school every Sunday at the West View Leisure Centre, West View, Preston, from 2.30-4.30pm.

Alternatively you can log on to the school's website at www.circus-training.com for details.

bhewes@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk