One of the country's newest circus owners is returning to West Mersea - the town where he saw his first show.

Justin Appleyard was just four when he decided that he wanted to not only start his own circus, but bring it to the island.

That was 27 years ago, and now Circus Ricardo is putting on twice-daily performances off Victoria Esplanade.

Justin, who lived in West Mersea until he was eight, said: "It is quite amazing to be back here. We used to live at Raymead Close, and after we left I spent all my summers here.

"I kind of pined for the island, because we went to live in the country, where there were not so many people or things to do," he added.

Justin spent six years in the Army, before realising that the circus was his true vocation.

The show is on at 5pm and 7pm daily with 3pm and 6pm performances on Saturday and a 2.30pm show on Sunday. Before moving on to Suffolk, there will be show dates at St Osyth, Walton; and Dovercourt.

What a show! Justin with ringmaster Paul Patrick and firemania Sophie Homan.

Picture: NIGEL BROWN

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