Animal rights protestors are planning a demonstration when a circus featuring animals pays a visit.

The Great British Circus, one of the few travelling circuses still to use performing animals, is expected to pitch its big top on a private boot fair site off London Road, Tonbridge, from Wednesday to Sunday.

The circus, based in Lincolnshire, last visited Tonbridge in September last year.

Protests were held by the Tonbridge-based charity, Animal Aid, and by the Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS).

Kate Fowler-Reeves, of Animal Aid, said: “I think we will probably have some activists there.

“I think it’s bad enough that they have dogs and horses, but they are still featuring lions and tigers in the circus.

“We have nothing against circuses in general, but we oppose animal performances.”

Paul Thomas, campaign assistant at CAPS, said his group would take part in the protest.

He added: “We don’t see why they have to have animals in circuses these days.

"We don’t think people learn anything about animals running around a circus ring when you can see them in their natural environment on television.”

Circus owner Martin Lacey was unavailable to comment but last September he said: “Circuses have to be licensed to operate and we are inspected by the environmental health department, trading standards, and the council animal welfare officers everywhere we go in the country.

“I think we should be taking notice of these government officials, as opposed to the rhetoric from unqualified animal protestors.

“We are only here because the public want us. We must listen to the majority, not the minority.”