A CLOWN is celebrating 20 years of entertaining children.

Lucy Wilkinson, known as Louby Lou, from Leigh, has been hosting parties, doing big stage shows and been a magic maker at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in that time.

The 38-year-old followed in her father's footsteps, Arnold Cheetham, who went by the name of Trumble the Clown and served the community for 50 years before retiring.

Mum-of-three Lucy, who is also a regular entertainer at Bents Garden and Home, said: "I took an interest in being clown from the age of six when my dad was doing it.

"I still love my job and every day is different and you do not know what you are walking into with each booking.

"The work I do in the hospital is close to my heart. It is really special and so rewarding.

"I am not sure if any of my children will choose the same path as me but my teenage daughter has shown a little bit of interest."

Lucy is holding a party at the Seven Brothers Brewery at Salford Quays on Saturday, October 6 from 4.30pm in which people she has met in her profession have been invited to join her.

There will be a talent competition, a band performance and prizes to be won.

A documentary of her career will also be screened at the event.