A CRIME detection course proved to be a truly magic experience for a North-East police inspector.

Inspector Brian "Bev" Hills of Darlington police attended the course in Preston more than a decade ago, got a taste of magic and was hooked.

Since then Insp Hills has developed a second career withhis magical performances.

While on the course he said: "Every night one of the lads showed us all a trick in which he made a handkerchief disappear with his bare hands.

"I was fascinated by it and when I asked him to show me how it was done, he did.

"He also gave me an address from which I could get more information about magic and illusions, and I've taken it from there."

Insp Hills has served with Durham Constabulary for 25 years, mainly in Darlington.

To begin with he created a routine to entertain children, but found it demanded so many props it was difficult to carry everything he needed for each show.

He had a rethink and began working on a routine with a more mature audience in mind.

He said: "At the time I was studying for a degree in music and the foundation course included psychology and sociology.

"I was introduced to hypnosis through the study of psychology and went on to gain a diploma in medical hypnosis.

"Since then I've tailored the use of hypnosis to suit my show and music also features widely in it."

The proceeds from Insp Hill's shows, called The Musical Magic of Beverley Hills, go to charities.