PERFORMERS from across the world entertained crowds when the circus came to Darlington last week.

The run up to the Bank Holiday weekend saw Circus Funtasia roll into town with a big top full of international entertainers.

The UK’s youngest circus performer was among those taking to the ring to perform a variety of lively acts.

Born into the circus, 12-year-old Nia, joined her parents – ring mistress Tracy Jones and acrobat Julio Nikolov - in entertaining those who descended upon the big top at Neasham Road.

The youngster juggled her way through a solo act before joining Troupe Julio, a group of Bulgarian acrobats, to show off her gymnastic skills.

Representing the tenth generation of his family to have joined the circus, Emilion Delbosq led the show with a modern take on clowning.

Last week’s festivities mark the first time Circus Funtasia has been staged in Darlington though the performers aim to return again next year.

Families packed the big top to enjoy almost two hours of acts including fire juggling, the wheel of death and aerial performances from Cirque de Soleil artist Zoly and his wife, Agnes.

Eight-year-old Freya Morris, from Middlesbrough, was among the spectators on Saturday afternoon.

She said: “I loved watching them all but I liked Nia best and I’d like to join the circus like her one day.”

The circus will continue its journey across the North-East this week, arriving in Sunderland on Wednesday, September 9.

Shows will be performed twice daily until Sunday, September 13. To book, call 0770 6168507.