The circus came to town last week for around 70 Caithness youngsters when they attended a series of specially-arranged circus skills workshops at Thurso Youth Club.

The travelling 'Shoestring Circus' gave the youngsters some pointers on how to act like real circus entertainers with a wide variety of activities on offer including stilt walking, plate spinning, diabolo, juggling, devil sticks and unicycling.

Allan Hourston from Thurso Youth Club said: "We decided to run these workshops after their phenomenal success and popularity last year. Projects like these help to raise the profile of the youth club and increase the self-confidence of the youngsters. We also hope to organise an on-going circus skills club to develop further interest in this."

Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) helped meet the costs of the workshops with a Sports and Arts Grant worth £190 (pounds).

Community projects officer with CASE George Jack said: "Strengthening communities by involving local people in additional activities and offering new interests and skills to youngsters in our area is a particular priority for CASE. It is very encouraging that the youth club is considering developing this further following the success of the initial workshops."