Zippos Circus is back in the Battery Park in Greenock

THE big top is back in the Battery Park as one of the UK's most famous circuses rolls back into town to celebrate 50 years.

Zippos is on tour yet again with some of the world's best acts as they continue to entertain generations of families.

Their 'Magnificent!' show is an action packed spectacular with death-defying stunts, comedy and all the magic folks have come to expect from a circus set up by founder Martin 'Zippo' Burton.

Zippo's Circus (Image: George Munro)

Bringing it all together yet again is in-house manager Todd Christian who is responsible for making sure everyone leaves with smiles on their faces.

Zippo's Circus (Image: George Munro)

Todd, who is from a circus family and has been involved his whole life, said: "We always love coming to Greenock, I just said this when we arrived. It is one of the best places, the Battery Park with the views, it is just lovely.

"You also have the best audiences.

"We have so much lined up for you this year.

"We just want to make sure that everyone has the best time. We have a mix of everything and we can't wait to see the reaction.

"I was born into the circus, it is my whole life, I didn't need to run away to join it!

"I am so proud to be with Zippos. Fifty years is a long time, so this is a special tour for us."

Zippo's Circus (Image: George Murno)

In many ways circus life has stayed the same and the families coming along to take it in at the Battery Park will have much the same experience as those who came before.

But Todd said: "We have had to move with the times and adapt what we do, including modern technology. Of course that inclues the motorbikes in the Globes, it is hugely popular."

Zippo's Circus (Image: George Murno)

The show is hosted once again by the ever-popular acrobat and comedy star Paulo Dos Santos who is 3ft 6in tall with a massive personality.

Zippo's Circus (Image: George Murno)

He is joined in the ring by artists from Kenya, Mongolia, South America and the Ukraine.

Magnificent! also includes edge-of-your-seat thrills from Brazil with Alex Michael who performs his death-defying and award-winning flying trapeze act and upside-down 'sky walk' inside the roof of the big top.

For the first time Zippos has lady clown La Loka and the magnificent Mongolian Warriors are back by popular demand.

Visitors can expect a host of amazing acrobats, tumblers, aerial performers, clowns and dancers all chosen to celebrate Zippos Circus.

Founder Martin 'Zippo' Burton said: "I am thrilled that we are presenting Magnificent! in my 50th year in the circus industry.

"It seems only yesterday since my humble beginnings as Zippo the Clown busking to audiences on Brighton Beach."