MILD-mannered drama student Ruth Hage was about to get her teeth stuck in to life with a travelling circus -- only to be let down by an internationally-recognised ringmaster just days before she was set to join the troupe.

Ruth Hage (pictured), a student at Preston's University of Central Lancashire, was to drop out of her three-year drama course in favour of life on the open road -- and life as a trainee lion tamer.

The 21-year-old student, from Thursby Avenue, Blackpool, had always wanted to study animals in performance and now her dream to become a trainee lion tamer has been dashed.

It all started two months ago when Ruth joined Preston's Physical Performing Arts in Lancashire (PPAL), based in Eldon Street, Preston, to learn more about performing skills.

Ruth was offered the chance to tour Ireland for a year with Circus Vegas -- an internationally-renowned outfit of jugglers, clowns, acrobats and, of course, lion tamers.

"It all started when I met Kevin John, the ringmaster for Circus Vegas during his stay in Preston with the PPAL," Ruth explained.

"I told him that I would really like to study how animals perform, so he asked me to come along with the circus to tour Ireland.

"I was totally gobsmacked and nearly fell off my chair when he asked me."

But, days before Ruth was due to leave for Ireland, she discovered that Kevin had given the job to someone else.

Ruth added: "I feel really let down. He promised me the job and then the next thing I know he offered it to someone else."

Now, artistic Ruth plans to concentrate on her three-year drama course and hopefully gain a place at drama school.

A spokesperson for PPAL was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press as was Circus Vegas ringmaster Kevin John.