Clowns visit schools beforefun weekend

Four members of Clowns International will be visiting the schools and pre-schools in the build-up to the town's clowns' weekend.

One of those involved, Shobi Dobi, is coming over from the United States where she is an experienced hospital clown.

The special visits will take place at three schools and six pre-schools from Tuesday onwards.

They have been arranged between Clowns International, Bognor Regis Town Council and Butlins.

Town council events officer Sue Holmes said: "The visits to the schools have been planned to help children understand what clowning is all about."

About 100 clowns are expected to join in the weekend, based at Butlins, from next Friday onwards. Some will be appearing in the London Road precinct the next day, March 8, before they all take part in the grand parade on March 9.

The clowns will also be adding colour and fun to a church service in North Bersted.

Several of the performers will be joining in the service at the Holy Cross Church in Chichester Road on March 8.

They will be present at the 5.30pm family service to bring some jollity to the occasion during the clowns' weekend.

The service will be led by the Rev Roly Bain, who combines the role of clergy and clown.

Holy Cross' vicar, the Rev John Quigley, said: "The clowns have been here every time since they have been back in Bognor.

"People enjoy them.

"They can meet the clowns after the service and have a cup of tea with them."