BRAVE kung fu warrior Zhu Kun piles dozens of bricks on his head - then sits motionless while they are smashed with a hammer.

The exciting Wu-Su Warriors are one of the star turns in the Chinese State Circus, which opened at York Racecourse last night.

The display of highly-skilled martial arts is a new venture for the circus which is bringing its latest show to the city for the first time.

Other attractions include the daredevil partnership of Xu Yan and Tian Jun Qiao who perform tricks and acrobatics on the high wire.

The fantastic display features the pair leap-frogging over each other - from one high wire to another.

Magnificent lion dancers, who perform gymnastic twists and somersaults, bring a traditional Oriental flavour to the show.

The production celebrates 2,000 years of circus and is designed to give the audience a taste of both traditional and modern Chinese acts.

It is hosted by a ringmaster dressed as the Monkey King, a legendary character from Chinese mythology, and features the Peking Opera, a display of elaborate costumes, attitude and movement.

Circus publicity officer Debbie McPhereson said: "The show has been really popular this year and we quickly sell out for weekend performances.

"Chinese-style circus is incredibly skilled. Each routine is packed full of technically difficult tricks, not just one or two. The performers start training when they are five or six years old after they are spotted and educated at top circus academies, which are almost like esteemed ballet schools.

"When people retire they go into training or teaching new talent."

Audiences were thrilled with the spectacular two-hour show, which continues at 5pm and 8pm today and tomorrow.

Two daily performances, at 2pm and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, round off the stunning display this weekend.

The following readers won tickets for the circus and a Blue Dragon hamper in our recent competition: Barbara Hall of East Mount, Malton, Beth & Emma Loseby of Waggoners Drive, Copmanthorpe, Mrs GM Hoggarth, of High Street, Goole, Mrs JA Edwards, of Raker Close, Wheldrake, Mrs K Barlow, of Halifax Court, Clifton, Mr F Herbert, of Bolton Lane, Wilberfoss, Mrs N Spence, of Loweswater Rd, Rawcliffe, Mrs P Dixon, of Grange Lane, Acomb, Mrs E MacMahon of Marlborough Grove, Fishergate, and Tracy Fisher of Malton Road, York.

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, September 29, 2005