Mr Caroli, who died aged 70 in 1980, performed at the circus from 1939 until 1979.

BBC: Blackpool honours star circus clown Charlie Caroli

Emergency worker Mario Caroli said it took three hours to set up the tent-like emergency room, equipped with high-tech medical equipment.

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Charlie Caroli has been immortalised by rock groups including Chumbawamba whose song Just Desserts names the clown alongside 19th century Russian anarchist Peter Kropotkin.

BBC: Blackpool honours star circus clown Charlie Caroli

Matteo Caroli of the LUISS university in Rome notes the central government has introduced draconian sanctions to force the regional administrations to balance their books.

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His son Charlie Caroli junior said it was fitting that the statue has been placed in the park's rose garden which his father liked to visit.

BBC: Blackpool honours star circus clown Charlie Caroli

Born in Italy to a circus family of French origin, Mr Caroli was performing in Blackpool when the Second World War broke out and never left the resort.

BBC: Blackpool honours star circus clown Charlie Caroli