Businesses in the Bradford district are being asked to buy circus tickets to be distributed to disabled and underprivileged children.

Circus Starr, a not-for-profit company which celebrates its silver jubilee this year, is coming to Bradford later this year.

The company offers free tickets to youngsters by asking for donations from businesses in the areas it visits.

Over the last decade the circus has raised more than £800,000 for UK charities by donating any excess revenue to nominated local organisations. This year, the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford will benefit from any extra cash raised by the Bradford show.

The touring clowns, acrobats and performers currently visit 75 towns and cities every year and are hoping to add another 15 venues to their annual tour over the next five years.

In 2011, £1.345 million worth of free tickets were donated to British children through schools and organisations, including Barnardo’s Allergrange in Bradford.

Gill Greenfield, children’s service manager at Barnardo’s Allergrange, said: “The circus has provided us with tickets for many years now and this has become an annual event which the families and young people we work with look forward to immensely.”

Circus Starr director Neville Wilson said: “It is amazing how much a day out at the circus benefits the children that see it.

“Hundreds of the youngsters who will see our show have a life-limiting illness or severe special needs and it is fantastic when we are able to see we have touched their lives in a way that otherwise would not be possible.

“A circus is a place of magic, particularly for younger children, and we hope we can continue making magic for needy children for another 25 years.”

Anyone who would like to donate money to Circus Starr is asked to contact Michelle Crossley on (01260) 288690 or email michelle@arts-exchange.

com.

The circus will be at Peel Park, in Bolton Road, on Wednesday, September 5, with one show at 4.45pm and one at 7pm. For more details, visit circus-starr.co.uk.