A CIRCUS revival tour will bring back memories when the big top arrives in the North-East later this week.

Billy Smart's Circus is back on the road after a gap of more than three decades and pitches its tent at the Sands in Durham City, on Thursday, for a three-day stay before moving to Tynemouth.

It will be the first time the legendary name on the British circus scene has visited Durham for 40 years.

Voted the Best Circus in Britain last year, it has a new format to meet modern tastes and protocol.There are no animals, but it features an array of skilled international performers.

Circus spokesman Chris Barltrop said despite the advance of electronic media in the computer age, the circus remains a much-loved traditional form of entertainment.

"The circus has an important place in British culture, which has, at last, been recognised by the Arts Council, as well as the public.

"A massive 23 per cent of Britons watch live circus entertainment each year.

"It's only fitting that, at this exciting and innovative time for the circus arts, the greatest name in the British circus should be back on tour for the first time since 1971."

Performances in Durham begin at 7.30pm on Thursday, with 4.45pm and 7.30pm shows on Friday and 3pm and 6pm on Saturday.

Tickets range from £20 for adults at ringside to £10 for children in the tiered seating.

The box office opens on site, in Durham, from 10am to 8pm during the three days, with further information on 0870 444 1505.