A WANNABE schoolboy joker is turning out a class-act after getting some big top performance tips from a kind-hearted clown at the Blackpool Tower Circus.

Mooky the Clown, of the legendary Promenade attraction, was more than happy to devote time to coaching nine-year-old Alex Callaghan on the finer points of clowning around.

Little Alex, who lives in Heywood near Rochdale, has wanted to don a big red nose and outsize shoes since watching his first circus performance at the age of three.

And has been a big fan of Mooky - who has been voted the UK's favourite clown for three consecutive years - and the Tower Circus for the last four years.

Alex is already one of the rising stars at Rochdale's Skylight Circus School and hopes to go on to study at one of the world-famous International Circus School in Paris or Budapest.

And can already ride a unicycle, lie on a bed of nails, spin plates and juggle.

But it was after Alex started to get taunts from school bullies over his passion for the circus that his mum Susan, 31, decided to get in contact with Mooky at the Tower.

Sales assistant, Susan said: "We've been visiting the Tower Circus every year for the last four years and Alex has always said that he wants to be just like Mooky when he grows up.

"But after Alex complained he was getting picked on by other kids I decided to contact Mooky at the Tower and we went down to Blackpool to meet him.

"He was absolutely fantastic and told Alex not to worry about other kids. "Mooky told Alex that people who laughed at him for his circus interests when he was younger now paid him to make them laugh.

"It did Alex the world of good and now he's very confident and completely determined upon a life in the circus."

Mooky the Clown is currently relaxing at his home in Belgium before getting ready to start the new season of daily performances at the Tower Circus starting on Easter Saturday, April 19 until November 2.

But took time out to say a few words about his little friend Alex.

Mooky said: "I am sure Alex will make an excellent clown if he continues to work hard.

"It's lots of fun at Blackpool Tower Circus and one of my favourite jobs is being able to throw buckets and buckets of water during the show.

"Good luck Alex."