TALENTED youngster William Todd is stilt-walking his way towards his ambition - to be a fully-fledged professional clown!

The 11-year-old Willaston lad, who counts Diablo, unicycling and juggling among his tricks, is waiting with bated breath after auditioning for a role in the prestigious Blackpool Tower Circus.

William successfully negotiated the preliminary round tightrope with an entry DVD of tricks that wowed the judges so much that he was immediately handed a place in the national final six.

And the audition proper, which involved a 10-minute routine of tricks to music, has left the youngster with high hopes of a future career clowning around.

Dad Matthew said: "He started juggling about three years ago. His uncle did a bit of it and he fancied having a go. He would love to do it professionally."

William was unique in a competition packed with professionally-trained and schooled wannabes.

The 11-year-old former Willaston Primary School pupil is completely self-taught, having never had a lesson in his life, and is often seen riding his much-loved unicycle to the Willaston shops.

Matthew continued: "He has completely taught himself and it is quite remarkable.

"We got him a unicycle last Christmas. He practices religiously and, through his own keenness, he has learned to ride it."

William, who starts at Malbank School this September, should hear next week whether he has won the chance to appear in front of 1,800 people at the Blackpool Tower Circus.

Proud mum Sandy said the audition was a fantastic experience for her son.

She said: "He did very well. I was so nervous and it was a bit more high-brow than I thought.

"The other parents were asking what circus school he went to but he has never had any lessons. He was brilliant.

"There were some very professional acts there but he loved it and it has spurred him on to keep practising."