Ticket sales for this year's Cromer Pier Summer Show were up 4.2pc on last year, according to figures just released.

Billed as the only end of the pier show in the world, the curtain came down on the 39th season at the pier's Pavilion Theatre on Saturday and chiefs are hailing it as 'another bumper summer'.

Jo Artherton, pier manager, said: 'The cast have shared laughter, tears, and an amazing sense of camaraderie throughout the run of this three-month long traditional variety show.

The season also saw a 12.2pc increase in souvenir programme sales compared to last year, and audiences licked their way through about 7,200 ice cream tubs.

Tickets are already on sale for next year's 40th anniversary season and Australian James Bustar, a popular star of this year's show, will be back to perform more of his comedy juggling through summer 2107.

Ms Artherton added: 'We are really looking forward to celebrating the show's landmark anniversary next year, something the whole team is proud of. It's testament that there is still a demand for traditional live variety, where it's popularity is helped along by shows such as Britain's Got Talent and Sunday Night at the Palladium.'

? The Cromer Pier Show will return for its Christmas run, from November 26 to December 30. Tickets start from £10, available from the Cromer Pier website: www.cromerpier.co.uk, pier box office, or ring 01263 512495.