ACROBATS in fluorescent leotards jumped out of crates and scaled 40ft drapes to mark the opening of the Digital Media Centre.

Lunch was later served by circus performers on stilts.

The launch of the DMC, an iconic base for creative and technological businesses, has been heralded as the start of a new industry for the borough.

Sir Michael Lyons, chairman of the BBC board of trustees, described the DMC as a splendid and extraordinary beacon.

He said: “What we see here is the latest chapter in Barnsley trying to find it’s own way forward. This is not a promise for the future, the development is happening.”

Sir Michael added that, regrettably, he could not secure more coverage for Barnsley FC games on the BBC, despite the team’s Premiership prospects.

Microsoft's director of small business Simon Hughes announced the computer giant's scheme to help firms signed up to the DMC.

He said it will give them unique and invaluable access to Microsoft resources and added: “Because this is a pilot programme I will be taking a personal interest in the companies coming through.”

Simon Biltcliffe, managing director of Webmart, is one of the entrepreneurs who has already moved in to the DMC, which takes prime place on the Courthouse site.

He started his print management business down South after leaving Barnsley in the 80s to go to university.

Simon is delighted with the move back to his home town and has brought with him an annual turnover of £27m.

Pleased to see a u-turn in the borough's economic outlook, he said: “I moved South because Norman Tebbitt effectively gave me no option.”