PROTESTERS lobbied visitors to a circus last night amid concerns over animal welfare.

Eight members of the Worcestershire Animal Rights Coalition distributed leaflets outside the Peter Jolly Circus, which has set up camp at the Monksfield Farm car boot site, off the A449 between Malvern and Powick.

Campaigner Helen Turner said she was hoping the leaflets would make people think twice about visiting the circus which features a zebra, camels, llamas and ponies.

"We're not against circuses and people having a good time, but we want the use of animals banned," said Mrs Turner, of Malvern.

"Using animals in entertainment is archaic and we hope that by handing out these leaflets, we will raise the public's awareness of the conditions they are often kept in."

But the circus, which began a week-long run on Monday, says that all its animals are loved and well-cared for.

Peter Jolly junior, who owns the circus, invited the Evening News into the arena to meet some of the animals.

"We get a few protesters in most places - everyone has got a right to an opinion," said Mr Jolly.

"Our animals are outside grazing when they're not inside the circus and anyone can see them. We've got nothing to hide.

"It's a full-time job caring for them. It's 24 hours a day, what with looking after them and their healthcare.

"They're invaluable to the circus and are part of the family. Anyone that has an animal or pet knows you can't be cruel because they would run away from you and that would be the end of it.

"We've been going for more than 30 years and last year we were on the TV show Heartbeat.

"A TV company wouldn't employ you if there was anything untoward, because of all the complaints they would get. It just wouldn't happen."

During the protest, eight police officers patrolled the perimeter fence and the circus entrance.