Martin Burton, the founder of Zippo's Circus, which is back in Twickenham this weekend, spent 35 years performing as a clown.

However, he has been forced to pack away the make-up and traditional big red nose, bringing an end to a clown character that brought joy to generations of children.

The decision follows the success of the Stephen King novel and associated film, 'It, which twisted the view of the clown away from fun and laughter to one of fear and menace.

As a result, there are no longer any clowns at the touring Zippo shows, but comics, who perform many of the traditional slapstick routines but without the make-up.

Mr Burton, who made his career as Zippo the clown – much to the annoyance of his mother - built up the Zippo's name into Britain's favourite circus, a much-loved show that toured the world.

Despite his own association with the art-form, there are no longer any traditional clowns, with painted faces, in the shows.

"Clowns have indeed been replaced with comics," said Mr Burton, who was the President of Clowns International.

"Comics, in this case are just like clowns but without the make-up and red nose. Stephen King and the publicists for the the film 'It'" killed the sort of clown I was for over 35 years. But the comedy is just the same without the make-up, just a tradition lost!"

The tradition of the circus clown – in England at least – can be traced back to Joseph Grimaldi, who first performed as child in the late 1700s.

He introduced the white face paint and two-sided personality of the clown – both happy and sad – that was taken up by performers through to recent years.

Zippo's is currently at Twickenham Green with Carnival, which is a big top tour presented by Brazilian showman, Paulo Dos Santos, a performer for several years who is now taking charge as ringmaster for the first time.

The fast-moving spectacle promises astonishing acrobats and aerialists, along with a comedy and daredevil motorcyclists.

This includes the spectacular Globe of Speed where the team of daring motorcyclists perform high-velocity stunts.

The circus tent will stay on Twickenham Green until Sunday with two shows on weekdays and three on both Saturday and Sunday.