ACROBATS, jugglers, clowns and magicians will be bringing together 250 years of circus entertainment back to the town that produced the world's first lion tamer.

Performers and a 50-man crew will be putting together the Circus Sallai in Darlington next month in a mammoth task involving 20 trucks and vans transporting three miles of electric cables.

The circus will be set up at The Northern Echo Arena, off Neasham Road, between September 11 and September 16, offering a modern twist on traditional circus entertainment, led by ringmistress, Angel Sallai.

A spokesman for the show said: "We want you to leave the ordinary day behind and come along to witness an extraordinary simply spectacular experience, in our magical world with beautiful lighting, fantastic music and fabulous costumes."

Circus Sallai will open at 7.30pm on September 11, with shows at 5pm and 7.30pm daily until Saturday, which includes an extra performance at 2pm.

The final show will begin at 2pm on Sunday, September 16.

To book, visit circus-sallai.co.uk