A CLOWN from Dorset is set to bring circus smiles to Bridport.

Visitors to Circus Wonderland at Asker Meadows will see a performance designed to keep the whole family entertained with acrobats, showgirls, trapeze artists and a James Bond act.

Paul Carpenter, also known as Popol the clown, also provides lots of laughs and performed to a full house near his home town of Christchurch last week.

The 38-year-old performed with his clown sidekick Kriss Freear for ten years before they finally struck out on their own last year.

“It was always our ambition to launch our own show and it was a dream come true for us,” Paul said.

“We were very lucky to have a business partner who invested in us.”

The Hungarian Duo Stefanelli will perform some gravity defying stunts on top of a 20ft pole and fly through the roof of the Big Top in a spaceship.

And Angel Bojilov can juggle and spin plates on sticks, all whilst perching precariously on a tightrope While Alejandro will set pulses racing as he swoops and soars high above the audience on his death defying trapeze.

Paul added: “It was not the easiest year to launch a new business but we've survived.

“Our policy is to create a show for the whole family and keep the price as low as possible to keep it affordable but still high quality.”

Paul and Kriss, aka Kakehole have twice been voted Britain's Best Circus Comedy Act and have a close team who all help out in different roles .

Their mascot Bertie the bear will also keep the children entertained.

“As it's a smaller group we have to find acts who can drive lorries and put the tent up and everyone has to sell the candy floss.”

It is five years since the last time the big top appeared in the town and Paul is looking forward to bringing his brand of comedy to West Dorset.

He added: “We are really looking forward to bringing our show to Bridport, and are very grateful to the town council for making our visit possible when they have not hosted a circus for several years.”

The show is running from Wednesday, April 3 to Sunday, April 7.

Weekday performances start at 3pm and 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 5pm with one 2pm performance on Sunday. Tickets are £7 on the first day and then £9.