CLOWNING around is all that little Gareth Ellis wants to do - even though he is only six years old! Actually he's nearly seven and has always wanted to be a clown. And now he's recognised as being Britain's youngest performer in his art.

Working under the name Bippo he is to appear in Zippo's Circus in Highbury Fields, London, some time over Easter.

For the circus-mad youngster this is a treat indeed as Zippo, a top clown, is his hero, and the top funster has gone out of his way to give the lad a chance.

Gareth is the youngest clown registered with Clown's International, an organisation which has given him lots of help and advice, recognising talent in the bud when it appears.

Despite his tender years Gareth can walk on stilts, juggle scarves, perform magic tricks, convey comedy, make balloon model animals and hats.

Since he was a tot he has made his mum and dad, Alan and Kath Ellis of Eliza Street, Ramsbottom, act as an audience and they never know what he is going to come up with next!

They are quite bewildered as the family are neither circus nor theatre minded.

Gareth, who just loves to entertain, won his age group of the Pepsi Entertainer of the Year finals at Holiday Club Pontin, beating 72 entrants and scoring 138 points out of 150 - the competitor in second place only scored 106.

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