A circus rolled up to Crossflatts Primary School for a day its children will never forget.

When pupils arrived for lessons, they found the Big Top already on the playing fields – complete with clowns, acrobats and jugglers ready to teach them circus skills.

“It was a complete surprise for children and parents – they certainly didn't think the circus was coming to Crossflatts,” said head teacher Hilary Craven, who dressed as a clown for the day of fun.

Deputy head and lion tamer Nicola Bennett said it was “amazing”.

“Our 440 children all got involved in circus skills workshops – plate spinning, acrobatics, everything. And then we had a big finale watched by the parents.”