The last show of the hit Pirate spectacular at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth was a double celebration as Pirate King Jack Jay's beard came off and collections raised over £3,500 for the East Anglia's Children's Hospice (EACH) appeal.

The seafront circus has pledged to raise £15,000 this year and the Easter collection, together with the Christmas collection, means it is over one-third of the way to its target for the year.

Newly-shaved Jack Jay said: 'We had a great last night, the show went fabulously. I lost my beard and we raised a staggering amount for the well deserving charity – a great way to end our Easter run.'

Hippodrome owner Peter Jay said: 'I'd like to thank all our customers who contributed to the collection after the show. Jack looks years younger and it was a great moment to share for all of us.'

Peter said the team was now looking forward to Clive and Danny's Cirque du Hilarious visit over the May bank holiday weekend and a new Summer Spectacular which starts in July with Jack and Johnny Mac and some of the world's greatest international artistes.

Cirque du Hilarious Screaming with Laughter runs from Friday to Monday, May 1-4. For details about ticket prices call 01493 844172 or online at www.hippodromecircus.co.uk