IT has been four years since they were last here, but the Circus of Horrors is back at the Stockton International Riverside Festival - and the bizarre show is more outrageous than ever.

Undead Ringmaster Doctor Haze will be joined by a gallery of grotesque circus characters for the shows in the Festival Big Top, at Trinity Gardens, from tomorrow until August 4.

Festival-goers will come face to face with an amazing array of oddities in the 27-strong cast, including Wasp Boy who, despite reducing his waist to 18in, can swallow five swords simultaneously - and a lit neon tube.

Also in the show are trapeze artists, voodoo artists, Gary Stretch - "the man with the stretchiest skin in the world", a pickled person emerging from a tiny bottle, and vampires flying through the air suspended only by their hair.

Frank Wilson, artistic director of the festival, said: "When the Circus of Horrors made its debut at the festival, the show was a huge hit and it still gets talked about today.

"This year, the show will include some of the old favourites, as well as a host of new circus characters that cannot fail to amaze visitors."

The Circus of Horrors will perform 19 shows throughout the festival. For times, contact (01642) 393936. Tickets cost £10, £12 and £15. For bookings contact (01642) 633098 and (01642) 633419 during office hours.