Normally they are all smiles. But this pair of colourful characters are in danger of showing the real tears of a clown as one of their most popular acts is being threatened - by a lack of props.

Alex Morley and his partner in comedy Miss Lizzy may have to drop the crowd pleasing plate smashing routine from their act with Russells Circus - which comes to Sheringham next week - due to a lack of china.

The breakable stock is normally sourced from charity shops, car boot sales and bric-a-brac stalls but Alex - principal clown in the show - said the key props are now 'very hard to come by'.

In a bid to save the smashing act he and the rest of his slapstick sidekicks are now appealing to audience members to bring unwanted plates to the Sheringham shows, in exchange for half price tickets.

He said: 'It's a popular act and it's an old English clown routine that we want to keep alive. It would be a shame to loose this act.'

The circus big top is already on the site at Cookies car boot sale, off Cromer Road, in preparation for its two week run that starts on April 2.

Joining the clowns with their acrobatic antics is trapeze artist Amanda Russell and Jumping Juniors - the springboard stars of the Hungarian State Circus.

Other international acts include Albert - the star of Russia's Got Talent who looks set to wow the crowds with his freestyle balancing routine - and fire eater Captain Antonio Candela, direct from the Caribbean.

A host of Disney stars, hula hooping, foot juggling, wire walking and magic will also add to the spectacular lineup.

? For more information and to book tickets visit www.russellscircus.co.uk or call 07752 218 805.