A clinic based in Dublin is offering people classes to help deal with coulrophobia.

A fear of clowns is rearing its (painted) head again, as Stephen King's adaptation 'It' has been re-released in cinemas.

The D4 Clinic in Blackrock is offering free, downloadable sessions to help people deal with their fear.

It is thought the fear of clowns effects some 12% of people.

The 'It' remake has broken records in the US on its opening weekend and has passed the US$200m (€167m) mark worldwide.

The D4 Clinic says: "With images of clowns in the media over the next few weeks this can create issues from mild anxiety to full blown panic attacks for those with coulrophobia."

Psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist, Jason O’Callaghan, says: "Most people can avoid clowns on a day to day basis but with the image on posters, buses, TV and magazines they may find themselves unable to avoid the image of the clown".

More information can be found here