THE circus art of juggling is a serious business for a hotel executive about to put her skills on show for young clients.

Claire Molloy, 26, is swapping her business suit for a circus outfit this week when she entertains children at Shafto's Inn and Restaurant, next to Whitworth Hall Country Park Hotel, near Spennymoor, County Durham.

Ms Malloy works as business development manager for Whitworth Hall Estates and is based at the hotel which was once the home of North-East legend Bobby Shafto.

When she started juggling ten years ago she was studying for a molecular biology degree at York University, where she was one of the first members of the Cosmos Juggling Club.

Her hobby stayed with her during the five years she spent on laboratory research into the effects of hormone levels on breast cancer at Newcastle University.

She joined the Durham City Jugglers and discovered a talent for business after becoming involved in the organisation of the Newcastle Community Green Festival.

She said: "I decided that I enjoyed doing event management more than my research and went for a complete change of direction.

"I still enjoy juggling as much for the social side as anything. We get invited to perform at all sorts of events through the Durham City Jugglers."

Ms Molloy is joined at the Circus Skills Theme Night on Friday by her partner Roger Davies, who is the world champion unicyclist, and other members of the group.

Tickets are £5 per child from (01388) 819737.