RAMSBOTTOM's favourite clown is a step nearer to reaching the big top after passing his circus exams with flying colours.

Eight-year-old Gareth Ellis, who is better known as Bippo the Clown, is the youngest clown in Britain.

This week he passed his Level One circus skills exam at Manchester's College of Art and Technology by juggling, walking on a globe, balancing objects and walking a one-metre high tightrope.

And its a double celebration for the youngster, of Eliza Street, Ramsbottom - he has been offered a job with Zippo's Circus in Winchester in the year 2006.

At the age of three Gareth decided he wanted to become a clown after a family trip to the circus.

Since then the talented youngster has been entertaining around the world. He recently performed with the Raf Dva Trie theatre company in Russia, and is now looking forward to starring in an exhibition in Portugal with Clowns International.

And as his popularity snowballs, mum Kath is struggling to keep up with new clown outfits and props.

She said: "Costumes can be expensive as he is growing so fast, and we are also looking for a good joiner to make us a tightrope.

"It's hard work but we are really proud of him. He just loves performing and making people laugh."

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