MAGIC and mystery amazed well-deserving youngsters as they enjoyed a night out at the circus yesterday.

Spectacular juggling, acrobatics routines and breath-taking knife balancing acts dazzled children and their families at South Park.

The hilarious antics of Nicolino the Clown also humoured audiences at Circus Starr.

The circus supports thousands of disadvantaged children by offering them the chance to enjoy live performances for free.

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Businesses across the country have been showing their support and buying tickets, which are later donated to children’s charities, support groups and special schools.

Ringmaster Robert Price said: “The children we invite to our shows face many challenges. Some have physical disabilities or learning difficulties, others have life limiting illnesses or are living in refuges.

“For all of them, life is a struggle and few ever have the chance to experience a live show such as ours. We simply could not do this without the support we receive from Oxford businesses from the big corporations to the sole traders, every donation we receive makes a difference to these children’s lives.”

Surplus funds raised from Oxford ticket sales will be donated to Bicester-based charity Child Brain Injury Trust.

The charity researches the effects of traumatic injuries involving children and provides support to families affected by childhood acquired brain injury.

Charitable organisation Circus Starr launched in 1987 and hosts a 75-venue tour three times a year.

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