ACROBATICS, juggling and a tricky spot of tightrope walking have seen Darlington Operatic Society members facing one of their biggest ever challenges.

The group's spring production of Barnum opens at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday for ten nightly performances until May 3 and a matinee on Saturday, April 26.

It tells the story of Phineas T Barnum and how "The Greatest Show on Earth" came into being, with show stopping songs such as Come Follow the Band and I like Your Style.

It also calls for a cast of circus characters to show what it is like to perform in the big top, which has given society members the chance to learn a whole new range of skills and talents.

Tickets start at £10, and are available from the ticket secretary on Darlington 01325-467017.