BRITAIN'S oldest circus family has arrived in Dorchester with a new death-defying show.

Now in its fifth visit to the town, Paulo's Circus has gone all out to provide its most lavish show to date, with a flying trapeze, giant rotating Wheel of Death, Kakehole the clown, Spiderman and sword-fighting pirates among its attractions.

The Paulos are the UK's oldest surviving circus family with roots dating back to 1816, and four generations of the family currently travelling with the show.

Show spokesman Paul Carpenter said: "This year will be the show's fifth annual visit to Dorchester and we have a very loyal following in the town, but regular visitors to the show will be very surprised by the spectacular nature of this year's performance.

"From Brazil we have the Flying Mendes troupe on the trapeze, featuring star flyer Roberto who is one of only 10 artistes in the world to perform the legendary triple somersault."

The show also stars the Portugese Granadeiro Brothers who ride the giant rotating Wheel of Death, a hair-raising act where they run, jump and skip around the wheel as it spins high into the roof of the big top.

Mr Carpenter added: "Of course these acts do not come cheap and the Paulo family have put everything on the line to stage the most lavish show in their long history.

"It's make or break time for the circus industry, and for Paulo's in particular."

Paulo's Circus will be at Cokers Frome Showground from tonight until Monday, May 14. For bookings and information call the box office on 0702 112 5454.