AUCTIONEERS will be welcoming a taste of the circus at their next collectables sale.

Reeman Dansie, based on Wyncolls Road, Colchester, will be selling off more than 60 circus themed lots at the auction across Tuesday and Wednesday.

Amongst the sought after items are a striking costume which would have been worn by elephants, a Donald Duck themed clown outfit and several posters advertising the exciting arrival of the Billy Smart circus which attracted audiences around the country when they were touring and millions of television viewers when the performances were screened.

Reeman Dansie's collectables expert Michael Bowles said he was delighted to be selling the unusual items but admitted some had proved challenging for him to value.

He said: "All of the items have come from one lifetime collector.

"The Billy Smarts Circus posters are very photogenic and look very striking.

"Most of the 60 lots will be sold off individually but some of the lesser ones will be grouped together.

"I think the costumes will be the most popular simply because of how unusual they are.

"I have to say in my career I have never had to value an elephant costume but hopefully it will go well.

"It is certainly a difficult thing to put on display."

The best posters are expected to fetch up to £120 while lesser quality ones could still command bids of between £50 and £60.

Costumes have been given estimates of between £200 and £300.