WHILE most children get in from school and play on their computer, little Jamie Crutcher is always to be found outside his Christchurch home whizzing about on his five-foot unicycle.

Or plate spinning, or juggling with fire or striding about on eight-foot stilts.

But his incredible mastery of big top tricks could help the ten-year-old make circus history for the second time in a year.

Jamie yesterday auditioned with the Chinese State Circus at King's Park to see if he would be allowed to perform with the world-famous troupe during their stint in Bournemouth.

If circus bosses agree to his appearance it will be the first time in 2000 years that a non-Chinese performer has been included in the show.

Last summer Jamie wowed performers of the Moscow State Circus with a similar audition and subsequently became the first non-Russian to appear in their show.

Not bad for a lad who's only been riding a unicycle for two years.

Mum Karen said: "His passion for the circus has taken over our lives. He's not a normal child, coming home from school and playing on a computer.

"Our garden has a gazebo and it's like a circus. Jamie's always out there with the local kids teaching them plate spinning, juggling or unicycling.

"He's wanted to join the circus since he was three. Even a simple trip to the supermarket and he'll be trying to juggle carrier bags."

Amazingly Jamie, of Campion Grove, taught himself to master the tricks.

"When he first got the unicycle he spent the first few days falling off and was covered with bruises but after six weeks he'd mastered it. His motivation is incredible," said dad Dennis.

"It's more difficult teaching yourself because there's nobody showing you how to do it right. We're so proud of him."

Circus manager, Larry de Wit, said at the audition: "He's a very impressive boy and it's wonderful to see a youngster full of such passion for the circus.

"But the final decision to perform will be made by the Chinese artists themselves. They are very protective about their art. In the past they've let student jugglers do stints during the interval or before the show, but never part of it.

"Jamie's very honoured."