People looking forward to a night at the circus will have to look elsewhere.

Santus Circus was due to perform shows in Croydon this week, but the snow has put a stop to that.

Because of "heavy snow" which is lying on the big top, the circus has been forced to cancel their planned Croydon trip.

A circus spokesman said: 'This has been a dreadful spring for us.

"During the two spells of snowy weather, we've been open for business as usual, but the public has been warned not to travel unless necessary, people have chosen to stay at home so we've been playing to empty houses.

"With better weather forecast we had an enthusiastic response from Croydon circus-goers ready to come to the show at Purley Way, who would have given us a warm welcome.

"But this weekend's heavy snowfall has left us with several inches lying on the roof of the big top, which prevents us taking down the tent to move it to Croydon."

The spokesman said they are working with Croydon Council to rearrange to a different date.