A PENRITH man who started his career in the circus is looking forward to welcoming back his former employers when their big top returns to town.

Thirty five years ago Garry Stevenson was among the stars of Gandeys Circus, Britain’s oldest touring circus, which is brining The Greatest Show Tour to Frenchfield Sports Centre to wow audiences between April 26 and 29.

The 62-year-old and his late father Ernie Stevenson performed as clowns in a comedy juggling act.

Commenting on its return to the town he said: “Circus is still as it always has been, wonderful entertainment for all the family. They have always been well received in the Penrith area and Gandeys have frequented Penrith many times over the years and always delighted the crowds.

“I look forward to seeing their show, particularly the clowning, and I am sure they will delight the audience as they always do.

“Circus has continued to change throughout the many years but it has kept its appeal with the impressive circus big top, the smell of the sawdust and the wonderful variety of acts who bring daredevil excitement laughter and skills there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“To me Gandeys still feels like a traditional circus with that original magic, the get-up-and-go, the razzmatazz. Long may that last.”

Garry, who runs G&S Specialist Timber in Stainton and the Alpaca Clothing Co, with his wife Joy, was born into circus life. His dad was the man behind the famous face of Noe Noe the clown and had worked his way up in the circus world, starting out as an elephant groom.

As a teenager, Garry began learning acrobatics before he became hooked on juggling, which later became one of the main acts he and his dad would perform together.

He left school at 15 and chose circus life with his dad - they were known as Noe-Noe and Garry - over a joinery apprenticeship.

In 1984, Phillip Gandey asked the duo to join Gandeys Circus for four weeks in Lowther Park. Three years later they joined the enterprise again when it took a huge chance to set up the show in Madeira for a month over Christmas.

The family established Stevensons Crown Circus in Lowther park in 1985.