Costessey kid wins national competition at Russell's Circus

Arlo Sly, from Costessey, recently came out on top in the junior category of the aerial performance arts final.

Not only that but he fulfilled his dream of performing for Russell's International Circus, while beating out 39 other contestants on the day.

Arlo Sly, 10, came first in the junior category at a national aerial performance art event (Image: Richard Sly)

His father Richard says his son is happiest when "he's flying off the ground".

Richard, 44, said: "It's been his dream to perform since we was about five years old.

"He likes a variety of aerial apparatus but the trapeze is one of his favourites - anywhere where he's flying off the ground he's happy.

Arlo performing his routine at Russell's International Circus Bit Top (Image: Richard Sly)

"He joined Oak Street Circus when he was five and has been part of their academy since eight.

"There were 13 regional events and the top three from around the country were then invited to the final at Russell's Circus.

"So to see him fulfil his dream of performing there was great.

Arlo's dad, Richard, said he was really pleased with the result at the event (Image: Richard Sly)

"He had been working on his routine at the academy and been perfecting it for the last eight months.

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"The main thing for him was performing in front of people and he was really pleased with the result."

One of Arlo's goals is to work for Cirque du Soleil (Image: Richard Sly)

Arlo's first place is the result of spending most of his free time looking at ways to improve his act.

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Richard added: "He spends most of his spare time either listening to music to give him routine ideas or watching others perform.

Richard said his son had been perfecting his routine for the last eight months (Image: Richard Sly)

"He's so focused on this and turning it into a career.

"His big goal is to work for Cirque du Soleil but he's also keen to perform on cruise ships.

"The whole family is so proud of him just for the way he continues to work and practise."

The city's most famous circus promoter

Norwich has a rich history when it comes to the dazzling spectacle of the circus.

The most famous circus proprietor is one of colour who was born in Norwich workhouse, Pablo Fanque.

The name may be familiar to any Beatles fans as Mr Fanque was the inspiration behind their smash hit song 'Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite'.

Pablo Fanque's blue plaque in All Saints Green, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Born William Darby, during his life Mr Fanque was a rope-dancer, horse-rider, tumbler and businessman.

The final performance of Pablo Fanque's circus was in Nottingham in December 1870, before he died in 1871.

Mr Fanque has been immortalised in Norwich with a blue plaque located in All Saints Green, near John Lewis.