A circus performance for more than 1,000 disabled and underprivileged children will go ahead despite travellers refusing to move from the company's usual site.

The special show given by Santus Circus was thrown into doubt after travellers moved onto the pitch opposite Tesco in Manston Road in Ramsgate, where the company normally performs.

But after a night of frantic phone calls, a new site has now been found.

Circus spokesman Chris Barltrop said: "After a great deal of emailing, phoning, and late-night candle-burning, the wonderful team at Quex Park, just outside Ramsgate at Birchington, have moved heaven and earth to place the circus on their land.

"Santus Circus also owes a big 'thank you' to the organisers of this weekend's First World War 'Gears of Change & Fought For Freedom' event, who are re-jigging their own plans slightly to allow for the circus's post-weekend arrival."

The circus company also thanked the media for publicising their plight.

The special performance for the children, arranged by the Rotary Club, will now go ahead as planned on Wednesday afternoon next week, before the circus opens to the general public.

Public show times can be found on the website www.santuscircus.com