The public are being asked to boycott a circus that will be performing in Fleetwood this week over its use of animals including an elephant.

The Captive Animals' Protection Society (Caps) has criticised the Bobby Roberts Circus for being one of just eight circuses in the UK to still use animals, including horses, camels, dogs and an elephant.

They claim 54-year-old elephant Anne has arthritis yet is still transported from site to site so that visitors can have their photo taken with her.

The circus will be using land on Rossall Road, Fleetwood, until Sunday for their performances.

Craig Redmond, Caps Campaigns Manager, said: "Caps is not opposed to circuses, only to the use of animals, and we would encourage people to avoid those circuses that still use animals and instead visit one of the many excellent circuses that rely only on human skills."

They are calling for Anne, who has now retired from performing, to be sent to a sanctuary.

On behalf of the circus, Moira Roberts defended the use of animals. She said: "Everyone knows how much Bobby cares for the animals. Anne would die anywhere else.

"She's the last elephant in Europe still travelling round and she does enjoy it. That's what these animal rights people don't see."

Caps say they will be contacting activists in the Fylde to stage a protest.