CLOWN doctors will have the last laugh when they celebrate ten years of helping sick children cope with their time in hospital.

The Durham-based arts programme was due to hold an anniversary celebration at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle late last year.

But, despite months of planning, organisers were forced to cancel the event at the last minute with the region in the grip of the Killer Clown craze in the run-up to Halloween.

The event has now been rescheduled and will go ahead on Thursday, with clown doctors visiting children in several wards.

Using performing arts, such as story-telling, music, and clowning, the Clown Doctors’ programme is designed to help children get through the often confusing and frightening experience of being in hospital.

Martin Wilson, director of Tin Arts which manages the programme, said, ‘Over the last ten years, The Clown Doctors have become a valuable part of children’s journeys in hospitals across the North-East.

“We wanted to mark this special anniversary with our event in October so were naturally disappointed when we had to cancel our planned event.

“But we felt the scary clown antics would pass and so are delighted to finally be able to thank all of the hospital staff, our supporters, our funders and most importantly, the children and families who have accept us and welcome us into their lives at such a difficult time for them."

Programme manager Nuritza Daghlian added: “The Clown Doctors’ programme recognises that the implications of hospitalisation are far wider than simply those relating to medical conditions.

“Fear, boredom, loss of control and other insecurities can adversely affect children in hospital.

“Through therapeutic play, the Clown Doctors offer a way of supporting and empowering children who may be suffering with these issues.

“Our programme is in no way intended to replace medical treatment but we offer something that the hospitals can’t. It is not just about entertainment but working with a specific child and helping them overcome the problems they are facing."

The Clown Doctors are all professional performing artists, trained to work with children in health care settings.

Most have been with the programme since its launch in 2006 and have worked with more than 30,000 children over the years.

The programme works with children undergoing heart treatment at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and wards at the Great North Children’s Hospital, visiting sick children up to three times a week.