AN ANIMAL circus will return to High Wycombe this summer – despite causing controversy when it returned to the town last year following a 17 year hiatus.

Zippo's Circus will bring its new show – presented by ringmaster Norman Barrett MBE and featuring clowns, acrobatics and animal performances - back to The Rye in June.

Controversy surrounded the travelling circus when it came back to the town last summer after Wycombe District Council lifted a ban allowing domestic animal circuses on its land.

The move was opposed by the RSPCA and split councillors' opinion down the middle after they were given a free vote on the issue in February last year.

Posters advertising Zippo's circus were vandalised in the build-up to the arrival of the circus. But the animals were well received by people who went to see the performance.

Zippo's Circus returns to The Rye for ten performances over six days, starting on Thursday, June 3.

Tickets start from £6 for children and £9 for adults. Contact 0871 210 2100 or visit www.zippos.co.uk