Established four years ago with a HK$2,000 district council grant, the group initially expected to stage a show every quarter. But the response from nursing homes, schools and community centres has been so good they are performing almost monthly, and the centre must sometimes decline invitations to avoid tiring the 10 volunteers.

Troupe members spent four months learning how to perform magic tricks, juggling routines and apply clown makeup from social worker Choy Wai-wong.

Choy, who is trained in the use of clowning techniques to cheer invalids, says she appreciates their dedication. 'They are open to trying new things,' she says.

Fung says it wasn't hard picking up the skills because they keep their routines simple, although he had an attack of nerves when the group made their debut in Tsz Wan Shan four years ago.

Fellow clown Yee Jang-too, however, took it all in his stride.

'I couldn't help laughing when I first saw myself in a wacky costume and makeup,' says the 76-year-old former taxi driver.

'It's OK to make a mistake. As long as you stay calm, the audience won't notice and if they do spot a slip they'll just laugh it off.'

Tseung Kwan O resident Chung Miu-ling says the shows put on by the troupe offer a refreshing change from the Cantonese opera classics usually staged at elderly centres. 'The clowns make me laugh. They're so entertaining,' she says.

Social worker Angus Lam Sze-yuen, who co-ordinates the group's activities, helps them develop their stage routine. To stay in shape, the volunteers practise regularly, rehearse before every performance and pick up tips whenever the pros perform in malls.

Yee reckons it's a good way to stay mentally active. 'My memory isn't as good as before. Sometimes I forget the steps if I haven't practised for a long time.'

Fung's wife, Lo Yim-hing, feels privileged to be part of a troupe bringing warmth to elderly people who are ill and wheelchair-bound.

'We don't stay on stage; we mingle with the audience,' says Lo, 71, who used to work as a Housing Authority caretaker. 'We can't cure their physical problems but we can bring them some joy, and hopefully ease their frustration.'

Such compassion is deeply felt by nursing home residents who may feel neglected because they don't have friends and families around them.

The volunteers are taught to avoid dwelling on topics that might sadden people, such as strained family ties.

'We tell them to cheer up because being negative isn't good for their health,' Fung says. 'Most importantly, we want to let them know we care. We know they feel our concern because they hold our hands tightly and don't let go.'

Fung speaks from experience. Although diagnosed with heart disease four years ago, he says clowning stops him from worrying about his illness.

His positive outlook also stems from encountering cases of life and death every day during his 30 years as a hospital clerk, he says. 'Life is fickle and there are two sides to it. I choose to focus on the bright side.'

The volunteers also take part in other community activities, from visiting senior citizens who live on their own to speaking at school functions and helping to promote campaigns on protecting the environment and preventing the elderly from falling for street scams.

'It's much easier for us to convince them to be careful because we are in the same age group,' says volunteer Lam Yuk-chun, a youthful-looking 83.

They work very much as a team, often learning each other's lines and tricks so that they can step in whenever a member isn't available for a show. Most often, though, the elderly volunteers need help putting on their clown faces, Lam says. 'My partners help me fix my makeup when my hands tremble.'

Elderly Commission vice-chairman Alfred Chan Cheung-min says older volunteers are an important resource. For instance, about one third of people registered at the Agency for Volunteer Service are aged between 50 and 60, and 15 per cent are over 60.

While most elderly volunteers contribute to neighbourhood services such as shopping for each other or minding children or elderly invalids, Chan says they could be of more help if trained in first aid or how to spot home risks such as unsafe appliances or cases of abuse.

The clown troupe attracted a huge crowd after a recent performance at a Wong Tai Sin nursing home as they waited for transport while still in costume. Passers-by, locals and tourists asked to take photos with the colourful group and they thoroughly enjoyed the attention.

'They liked us a lot. An English-speaking tourist even gave me a big hug,' Fung says, with a wide grin. 'I don't think we'd attract such overwhelming attention without the makeup. People are surprised to find old people dressed as clowns.'

Their costumes and colourful face paint help break the ice with strangers, Yee says. 'It's difficult for us to approach a stranger without the costumes but people tend to be friendlier when they see clowns,' he says. 'To me, my costume is far more valuable than an expensive suit because it breaks down barriers between people.'

Clowning has added zest and meaning to his retirement, which used to be occupied by having leisurely dim sum breakfasts and exercising in the park, Yee says. 'I was too busy working when I was young. Now I have time on my hands, I can give something back to society.'