A MAGICIAN who discovered a long-forgotten book of tricks in an attic 12 years ago is celebrating after winning a clutch of awards.

Chris Keward, 34, won three out of four prizes at the Wessex Magical Association’s annual competition last week.

The new dad, who lives in Keswick Road, Boscombe, was crowned stage and close-up magician of the year, as well as winning the coveted audience favourite performer trophy.

Chris, who has been working as a magician for eight years, said: “The trophies are pride of place on my mantelpiece.

“It was absolutely lovely to win, and I was particularly pleased about the audience favourite award. I entered all of the categories because I want to be the most rounded professional I can be.”

The awards mark a career high for Chris, who performed his first paid job at a Pizza Express in France, earning two bottles of vodka.

However, the arrival of son William Blake, 13 weeks ago, has seen him return to a day job as a designer.

“It has been quite a long, mental journey,” he said.

“After I left university, I was looking for a photo album in the loft when I stumbled upon an old magic book. It wasn’t a big leather-bound book, like you might imagine, but a little one called 165 Quick and Easy Sleights. None of them were quick or easy at all, but it really grabbed my attention and I became really obsessed with learning how to complete them.”

His favourite trick is a classic that is thought to date back to the Egyptian times.

“It’s going to be cups and balls,” said Chris. “I do that as a standard part of my professional repertoire. It’s very popular.”

For more information about Chris, visit chriskeward.com