ONE thousand local children and their carers will get to experience all the fun and excitement of the circus free of charge this autumn.

Circus Starr will stage two free shows when the big top comes to Oxford's South Park on October 11 with the cost of tickets funded by local businesses which are then pre-allocated to families who struggle to go to or enjoy a live performance.

Circus Starr has been providing free circus shows across the country for more than 30 years.