TORBAY MP Adrian Sanders has visited No 10 Downing Street in a bid to stop the suffering of circus animals.

Mr Sanders joined Animal Defenders International supporter actor Brian Blessed in delivering a huge campaign postcard, calling for an urgent ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, to the Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Lib-Dem MP is one of 177 politicians who have signed a parliamentary Early Day Motion calling for the long-promised wild animal ban to be implemented.

He said: "I strongly condemn the disgraceful acts committed by those harming animals, especially those highlighted by ADI of Anne the elephant being abused.

"I signed the Early Day Motion without hesitation last year and I will continue to call for an end to the use of wild animals in circuses.

"These animals are often kept in poor conditions and suffer severe acts of cruelty which, as a staunch supporter of animal welfare, I strongly condemn.

"I will continue to call on the government to take action as a matter of urgency in order to protect these beautiful creatures from future harm."

Jan Creamer, ADI's chief executive, said: "We applaud Adrian Sanders MP and the other MPs who are saying 'enough is enough'.

"It is time to get this wild animal ban in place and stop this unnecessary suffering."