A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy whose beloved pet dog was knocked down and killed by a hit-and-run driver has been treated to a free trip to the circus.

Jamie Perrie was left devastated after his eight-month-old miniature Jack Russell, Pinky Rainbow, was hit by a dark red Nissan Juke-style 4x4 vehicle on Sunday morning.

Sergeant Dave Clarke, of Durham Police, vowed to leave no stone unturned to catch the driver, who also narrowly missed hitting Jamie and then fled the scene.

The dog-loving officer wanted to cheer up the youngster and contacted Circus Funtasia, currently performing in Consett, which offered VIP tickets to his family.

Jamie, his seven-year-old brother Ryan, his four-year-old sister Sian and his parents Michael and Rebecca Perrie enjoyed the show on Thursday.

Mrs Perrie said: "Jamie is over the moon."

Jamie added: "I'm so excited. I've never been to the circus. It was a big surprise."

Mrs Perrie said Jamie had chosen a new puppy and was recovering well from the traumatic experience.

Sgt Clarke said: “Nothing we can do now can bring this lad's dog back. However, we wanted to help take his mind off this awful incident on Sunday.

“The circus team were fantastic from the start, offering Jamie and his family VIP tickets and an experience that he won't forget.”

Circus spokesman Ben McManahon said: “It’s an absolute pleasure from all of us here at Circus Funtasia to put a smile back on the little boy's face after such a terrible ordeal.

“We wanted to make sure they all have a great time here with us and meet some of our artists. That is something not many people get to do.”

The incident happened just after 10.15am on Hollyhill Gardens West in the direction on Lenin Terrace, in Stanley, County Durham, yards from Jamie’s house.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number: DHM-2510-2015-0205.

Circus Fantastia's show Awesom features Bulgarian acrobats performing springboard and trampoline stunts, aerial acts, motorbike foot juggling, a ring of fire and a wheel of death act. The big top is in Hownsgill Park on Knitsley Lane until Sunday (November 1).