If you've ever dreamed of running away with the circus, now could be your chance thanks to a circus skills workshop at North City Library.

The Rochdale Road library is hosting a six weeks course for teenagers who fancy trying their hand at a variety of big top skills including juggling, tightrope walking, plate spinning, unicycling and stilt walking.

The free weekly course for 13 to 16 year olds is on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm to 7pm starting from 2 February.

The workshops have been financed through the Youth Opportunity Fund, which is delivered by Manchester City Council, and which aims to improve the provision of positive activities for young people.

Applications are made by young people themselves to a panel, including their peers, thus ensuring that the provision is in line with what the young people themselves want.

The circus skills workshop is run by the charity Skylight Circus Arts which aims to use circus skills to improve self image, teamwork, concentration, communication, flexibility and stamina.

Martine Bradford, Project Co-ordinator for Skylight Circus Arts, says: "The circus school is a great way for young people to learn life skills. When trying to master a new skill they learn that things don't always go right the first time, but that the important thing is not to give up."

Councillor Sue Murphy, Manchester City Council's Executive Member responsible for services for young people, says: "Providing positive activities for young people is a priority for both ourselves and residents. The workshops are a chance for young people to have fun, while improving their confidence, self esteem and leaving them with a sense of achievement at having mastered a new skill."

If you are interested in attending the free workshops, then call Tracy Clive on 0161 219 6443.