Veggie Clown Insists On Rubber Shoes

A vegetarian clown called Tweedy proved he is all heart and sole when he went to a cobbler to have his super-sized shoes mended.

Dennis Manville used rubber instead of the normal leather to re-build the size 37s as Tweedy refuses to wear animal skin.

The clown was left out of step with other jokers when his shoes started to fall apart just hours before a performance.

But kind-hearted Dennis offered his services free of charge and within hours has Tweedy back in the ring in time for the show.

Dennis said "The shoes were falling apart and I had to strip them right down to the uppers and rebuild them.

"It was the biggest pair of shoes I have ever worked on but fortunately it was quiet in the shop so I had the time."

The job - already quite a feat - was made a little awkward by the huge toes of the shoes which are padded with horsehair.

Dennis,61,also put in new insoles and buffed up the funny footwear.He said "Tweedy was over the moon when I gave him them back and said they looked like new boots.I didn't charge him but asked if he would donate some money to a children's charity instead."

The repair job has stopped Tweedy 's feet from getting sore and has also saved him a few pounds.A new pair similar to his 16-inch long black shoes,with a white trim, would have cost about £150.

Nick Barltrop,who is in charge of the circus,said "Tweedy is delighted with the shoes and would like to say a big thank you to Mr Manville for coming to his rescue."