ALL joking aside, there must be something in the water.

Southampton can now claim to be the clowning capital of the world after five local

performers between them scooped a third of the titles at an international clown conference.

Organisers say is it extraordinary for one city to produce such a clutch of award-winners, especially on a

global stage, competing against scores of other clowns. But the Southampton clowns say it's pure chance that has planted the city at the centre of the world funny map.

R-Jay and Crazy M - together the Krazy Kapers double act - took the award for the best performance in the parade of 137 clowns at the Weston-super-Mare conference.

R-Jay, of Laurel Close, Woolston, said: "It's just chance, it's coincidence. Maybe there are more clowns in the south in relation to other areas."

Meanwhile, clown Bluey, 60, who has been clowning for 30 years, scooped the Silly Willy Award for best Auguste clown.

Widely seen as the Oscar of the clowning world, the Auguste award is for a special type of clowning which Bluey described as "big boots, big nose".

The Marchwood based clown said: "I was very moved and deeply honoured to receive this award. It was a very humbling and exciting experience."

In the junior section, Pip and Stephanie Randall, part of Happy's Circus, took the honours.

The pair, better known as Billy Bang and Fanninie, have only ever known the circus life and were trained by dad Russ - Happy the Clown himself.

Pip, 12, of Four Acres, Botley, said: "I love it. I love being around people and performing."