THE Chinese State Circus is coming to the North-East next month.

The circus performs at Sunderland Empire for a week from September 5.

With 128,000,000 performances under its belt in its 2,500-year history, the Chinese circus has gained a reputation as one of the world's finest travelling shows.

Crowds will see a teetering tower of chairs with seven performers balanced on top, back flipping acrobats and a multitude of plate spinners and knotted contortionists.

There will be a dizzying succession of gymnasts and a Guinness World Record holding 14 girls on one bicycle.

The circus also promises visitors a spectacular kung-fu show featuring some of the world's finest martial artists.

Led by English-speaking guru and trainer Tian Run Min, the show has won a host of national and international awards, including honours in Monte Carlo and Moscow.

Tickets, costing £10 to £25, are available at the Empire box office in High Street West, Sunderland, or by calling 0870 602 1130.