Animal lovers are to protest when a circus pitches its tent in Brighton, during the annual Festival in May.

They are concerned Gifford's Circus uses ponies during performances and say this is outdated and degrading.

But Gifford's and the promoters are complying with the policy of Brighton and Hove City Council on circus acts, which only outlaws the performance of wild animals, such as elephants and tigers, at circuses which use council-owned land.

Many other circuses have come to town since that policy was started.

They have used ponies and dogs and they have been open to inspection.

If the animal lovers still have a problem, they should take it up with the city council and not with the circus, which will be acting within its rights.