A big top circus will be pitching up in Epsom for five days in May.

Billy Smart's Circus is bringing a flying trapeze act, a fireman on a flaming ladder, acrobats and jugglers to Hook Road Arena.

The circus is on a comeback UK tour with performer Desiree balancing on her hands to fire a bow and arrow with her feet.

The travelling show, which has not toured for several years, is billed as being back to ‘its amazing best, the cream of circus’.

Billy Smart's New World Circus began in 1946 when the showman bought a big top and added circus performances to his funfair.

The circus toured under a big top until 1971 but televised performances continued with viewers peaking at more than 20 million.

The final circus broadcast was in 1983 but the touring circus was revived a decade later.

Billy Smart's Circus; Hook Road Arena, Epsom; Wednesday, May 8, to Friday, May 10, at 4.45pm and 7.30pm; Saturday, May 10, at 2.00pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm; Sunday, May 12, at 12.30pm and 3.30pm; From £10; Call 0844 415 5228 or visit www.billy-smarts-circus.co.uk.