YOUNGSTERS got to run away with the circus, if only for a day, when they visited the big top on Blackheath Common.

Children from the Lewisham Family Centre, in Meliot Road, and the borough's Disabled Children Service met clowns Matthieu and Tweedy and ringmaster Norman Barrett before watching the show.

Both organisations offer support for children and their families through short-term breaks, education and health initiatives.

They were joined by councillors Barrie Anderson, Carl Kisicki and Crada Onuegbu.

Mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock said: "It was a very special afternoon. We would like to thank Zippos Circus for providing a fantastic day out for the children."