A MASTER magician is keeping a few tricks up his sleeve after being chosen for a top competition.

Mike Smith, a professional magician of Sandringham Road, Redcar, is one of only eight in the United Kingdom to be selected for the British Magical Close Up Championships which is being held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, in February.

Mr Smith, who is a past president of the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians and member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Northern Magic Circle, said he was honoured to be competing.

"Most of my work is children's magic at parties and community centres, so it will be nice to take part in such a high profile event," he said. "Obviously, close up magic is quite nerve wracking, but I hope to do well."

As well as the champion's title, the competition winner will receive a trophy and £400.