IT'S NOT often that clowns, street dancers and knife throwers are part of a church service, but that is what will be happening on October 3 in Okehampton's Simmons Park.

Paulo's Circus, which is in Okehampton from September 29 to October 3, has offered its 'Big Top' to Christians Together for a special event starting at 10.30am.

Entitled 'Risky Living' the main act will be magician, comedian and escapologist Steve Legg, who will be talking about his own faith and experience, illustrated through his work.

There will be a circus skills workshop the day before conducted by 'Ali Oops' for children aged seven to eleven, who will then get a chance to perform in the Big Top.

Chair of Christians Together in Okehampton, the Rev Lynne Burgon, said: 'We are very grateful to the circus for their generous hospitality, they really have been great. 

'There is nowhere in Okehampton big enough for all the churches to get together and this represents a great opportunity for us. We have planned a really exciting event.'

'Faith is about taking a risk and circus people do that all the time, hence the theme 'Risky Living'. 

'We want people to take a chance and come and see what it is all about. 

'Hopefully lots of people will come who don't necessarily want to turn up in church on a Sunday morning.'

 Tickets, priced at £1, for both events are available from the Baptist Church in East Street, Monday to Saturday mornings 10am to noon or from local churches. 

All the money will go to the Devon Air Ambulance appeal.