IT'S every youngster's dream come true -- the chance to run away and join the circus.

But this opportunity is only for a few weeks, as the Preston community circus school tour the area in a borrowed big-top.

The school, based at West View Leisure Centre on Ribbleton Lane, meet weekly to teach people of any ages circus skills -- from juggling right through to unicycle riding.

June Barbarell, director of the school, said: "We meet every Sunday at the leisure centre. At the moment we are running a summer school, where we have children mainly aged from 11-14 coming to learn all about circus skills. The school is open to anyone though and our oldest 'child' is about 75!"

Now, thanks to Stockport-based circus company Circus Ginnett, the group are getting ready to tour schools in the Preston area to teach their unique skills.

Circus Ginnett have lent their 250-seater marquee to the community circus school for six weeks from Tuesday, September 4, until Saturday, October 20. The school will be touring schools teaching by day and giving performances by night.

And the group are looking for nominations for suitable schools throughout Lancashire.

Mrs Barbarell said: "We are getting the tent during the day and staff from Ginnett are helping out tutoring and showing the children different aerial acts. Then the performers come back at night to put on a show to help pay for everything. If any of the youngsters pick things up then the circus is willing to let children help in the show.

"We have got a good unicyclist and a little gymnast from Blackburn who is extremely good, so we are hoping they will go in the show. This is a good way to encourage them and show them that there are other things to do in life if they are not so good at other things."

To contact the circus group or to nominate a school to be selected as a host for the big top, phone 01772 461638.