Doctors sometimes have a reputation for being eccentric but there are not many with a false red nose, odd shoes and a guitar.

Spontaneously bursting into song and demonstrating magic tricks is not part of most medics' duties.

But Colin Maher, aka Dr Kiku, is perfectly qualified to dispense this peculiar brand of medical care.

As a clown doctor, he has been spending his time cheering up young patients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children, Brighton.

Youngsters facing operations find Dr Kiku can help take their minds off their problems.

For others, his special blend of comedy and close-up magic is a great way to relieve the boredom of being in hospital.

New patient Rosie Harvey, six, was astonished when she met Dr Kiku at the hospital yesterday.

Her mother Catherine said: "We were very surprised but she certainly seemed to enjoy herself."

Mr Maher has been a professional entertainer for the past 12 years.

He created Dr Kiku in 1994 and started visiting youngsters at Great Ormond Street and Guy's hospitals in London.

Since then, he has trained eight entertainers who are now working as clown doctors.

He said: "A child might be shy at first but after a few jokes and tricks they generally start to come round.

"I use the patient environment a lot, although obviously not the important equipment. But if there's a sick bowl I can borrow or a plastic jug then I bring them into the act.

"It is all about distracting the children, getting them to smile and laugh and enjoy themselves for a while."

Aimee Burtt, a play worker at the hospital, said: "The children love it when he comes to the ward.

"They are always asking after him and wondering when he is going to come back again."

Mr Maher works for the London-based Theodora Children's Trust.

The trust, a registered charity, was formed in 1996 and now has nine clown doctors working in eight hospitals and one specialist centre around the UK, visiting 27,000 sick children every year.

Theodora clown doctors are masters of improvisation and entertainment who also undergo rigorous training to give them knowledge of hospital procedures, infection control and a range of physical and psychological illnesses.

The clowns are highly skilled at involving the young patients and encouraging them to join in with the fun.

The good news for children is that Dr Kiku is here to stay. The pilot project in Brighton has gone so well he has been invited to continue his weekly visits.