IT really was quite a balancing act for Happy the Clown as he made his new pitch in a swish Eastleigh office block.

Russ Randelle's circus skills came in useful as he faced the giant task of unpacking boxes and answering a red hot telephone.

It was about 15 years ago that he launched the family circus company which since then has grown by leaps and bounds.

So much so that it had outgrown the Randelle's Botley home. But now there will be no need to juggle space.

For Happy's Circus has moved its administration nerve centre into purpose built offices at Wessex House in Upper Market Street.

An entertainer for most of his life, Russ's children, Stephanie and Pip have followed him into the circus ring.

They take their circus and theatre shows across the south and into the heart of the Midlands.

Their audiences range from children to corporate chiefs. Russ has made several TV appearances, including Ready Steady Cook and Clowns Across the Pennines on the Jimmy Vaughan Show.

Such is the demand for their entertainment that the company has orders through to 2010.

"This also gives a shop window and it is a lot better than dealing with people from a back room," said Russ as he was busy spinning boxes around his new offices.