UNCLE Sam's Great American Circus arrives in Burnley on Saturday and will remain on land off Gannow Lane until Bank Holiday Monday May 1.

The first performances by the circus, which is unusual as it does not use animals in its act, will be at 5pm and 7.30pm with a special offer of any seat for £4.

The two-hour act features non-stop action and many daredevil stunts, such as a human cannonball, a wheel of death and the high wire, as well as two girls from Los Angeles who perform acrobatics on aerial silks, a team of acrobats on giant bicycles, giant clowns and two men who do a bouncing act.

Ringmaster Gavin Brand said: "It's very different from European circuses because it's hard and opens with a big bang.

"There's lots of action and lots of fun for all the family."

The circus is thrilling crowds in Nelson this week before moving on to Burnley. The centrally heated big top has been set up in Carr Road with daily performances until Friday at the same times as Burnley.

Circus fans Paige Whitley and Hayley Feeney are pictured in flag-waving mood.