AN ISLE of Wight resident with a penchant for circus activities has found a novel way to combine practice with daily exercise.

Thorne Bailey became proficient in circus skills by attending Ryde Extreme courses, learning to juggle, diabolo, and stilt walking, later adding fire breathing to his repertoire, performing solo shows at festivals such as Ventnor Fringe.

He has been utilising his skills during daily exercise, catching the attention of passers by, and keeping his eye in during a time when group practice isn't possible.

Thorne said: "Training on a small, uneven area of driveway has been a difficult but rewarding challenge, it's pushing me to find new ways to do the activities.

"My neighbours have watched from their front doors and cheered as I was filming my act. Their support has brought the neighbourhood community spirit to the fore.

"I have recently been part funded by the Mike Howley Trust to help with the production of a new show which I'm hoping to launch next year.

"We will keep working on it, and hope to have a 50-minute show by the time it goes live — dependant on how long social distancing remains in place."

Thorne's Instagram page, including photos of him in action, is available to view by clicking here.