The White Horse Bookshop became a stage for Gifford Circus performers on Friday at the launch of a new loyalty card scheme for Great Bedwyn Playgroup.

Circus owner Nell Gifford made a special appearance at the revamped bookshop in High Street to sign copies of her new book Giffords Circus: The First Ten Years.

The signing coincided with the launch of a new loyalty card to be used by children at the pre-school. Five per cent of any purchase will be donated to the playgroup.

Chairman of the Great Bedwyn Playgroup committee Bee Roycroft said: “We are really grateful to the White Horse Bookshop for giving all of the children at Great Bedwyn Playgroup an opportunity to get inspired by books and reading.”

Mrs Roycroft said: “This was a lovely event because the children could enjoy the circus acts, but the book is not for children.

“It’s lovely but it’s about the history of the circus so it’s not something a three-year-old is going to pick up and read.”