PUPILS at Bolton Girls' Junior School have enjoyed some clowning around with a difference thanks to a French circus.

As part of the European Year of Languages 2001, Le Cirque Magique -- an interactive theatre -- paid the children a special visit.

The show, aimed at Year Five and Six students, included professional French actors, who allowed the pupils to get up on stage and join in.

The actors put on a show of music, dance and even trapeze acts while using simple French words and phrases.

The circus went down a storm with all the pupils who were left chattering excitedly about the performance, and practising their French.

Teacher, Madame Dominique Ganley, said: "This was a magical experience for all children who have been learning French since they were four. It brought everything to life and was a truly exciting experience."