Juggler John Hinton is touring the county's schools showing children, including those with special needs, how to juggle.

While he is busy demonstrating to kids how to spin plates, juggle beanbags and balance a feather on their noses, they are learning vital physical and mental skills.

John, of Brighton, said: "It is great fun and the kids absolutely love it. It is very different from anything else they learn at school.

"The teachers are always very surprised about how well the children do and how rewarding it is. It's brilliant for co-ordination, balance, dexterity and self-confidence."

The 24-year-old, brought up in Ditchling, near Lewes, began touring classes early last year after spotting a job advert in The Stage for a juggler to work for Splat, the company behind circus days at schools and playschemes.

Splat has also performed tricks at Buckingham Palace, Children's BBC and Sky.

John got the job and now visits lots of schools in the area for a magical day pupils will never forget.

He said: "I start off with an assembly, usually in front of the whole school and I try to bring lots of humour into it.

"I try to get some of them up on to the stage to try out tricks like balancing a feather on their nose. As a finale, I juggle five of the balls.

"Then each year group comes in for special tuition for about an hour each. It works wonders.

"I mostly do primary schools but I occasionally teach special schools where the children suffer disabilities or behavioural problems.

"It is very rewarding as some teachers think the children will be useless at juggling or acrobatics but they are often amazed at what they can do.

"I'm getting more and more bookings for schools who want something special for the end of term.

"The places where I have juggled rehired me this year. So the teachers and children must enjoy it."

Other acts John does include stilt walking, balancing on wheels and scarf juggling.

John started taking juggling seriously after finishing a theatre studies degree course at Hull University.

He joined the Pipsqueak Circus, based in Lewes, and toured Hungary for three months performing all sorts of outrageous tricks before landing the job with Splat.

He is one of only a handful of people in Britain who teach children these extra-curricular skills.

John said: "I have mastered the art of juggling knives and fire but obviously I won't be trying those tricks in the classroom."