Ricky Gervais and Brian May are among the celebrities who have signed an open letter to the the Prime Minister urging the Government to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.

The letter's signatories also include actor Brian Blessed, designer Meg Mathews and broadcaster Mark Radcliffe.

Comedian Ricky said recent footage of Anne the elephant being mistreated showed why the Government should ban wild animals in circuses.

"I am appalled that wild animals are still kept in circuses and fully support the call for a ban," he said.

"It is high time that Government got on and implemented one."

Queen star Brian dubbed the use of wild animals in circuses "cruel, distasteful and unacceptable in the 21st century".

The move comes as MPs prepare for a cross-party debate on the issue in the Commons tomorrow.

Pressure has been growing for the Government to stop the use of animals in circuses, with a high profile campaign backed by celebrities.