VISITORS are invited to roll up to the big top going up alongside a retail shopping outlet in coming days.

Circus fun will be an added attraction at Dalton Park, Murton, County Durham, with twice-daily performances for nine days from tomorrow.

Each show, lasting about 45 minutes, will include unicyclists, clowns and acrobats.

Performers will parade through the malls on both Saturdays, at 11am, with shows at 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

On weekdays and Sundays, the show times are 11.30am and 2.30pm, with an extra show on Thursday evenings, from 6pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults, children (under 16) £2, with family tickets for £12, for two adults and up to three children. They can be bought from the At Your Service lounge in the mall nearest the centre entrance.

There are also free workshops for would-be circus artistes, in the mall or the big top, at 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and 12.30pm and 2.30pm on weekdays.

Further information is available on 0191-526 6500, or from the centre website, on www.dalton-park.com