AN up-and-coming magician wowed some of the country’s top illusionists to take the Young Magician of the Year title.

Ben Proos, 16, from Brockhall Village, Ribble Valley, stole the show at the Magic Circle’s hotly fought contest to take the coveted award.

His fast moving act saw him make cards appear from thin air, billiard balls multiply and he also performed an ‘amazing’ routine with sunglasses that appeared and vanished in a flash.

And Ben, who attends Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, pulled a final trick out of the bag when he remembered the final part of his act - a trick using three metal link rings- that he had left in the dressing room before the heats.

Ben, who specialises in close up magic and aspires to become like his hero American magician Jeff McBride, will keep the award for the next two years.

Past winners include master Illusionist Russ Stevens, Johnny Hart who has a successful career in America, and Michael Jordan.

Ben, who hopes to perform in Las Vegas, has been learning magic tricks for two and a half years and has been perfecting his winning route for a year by practicing on a daily basis.

He said "I'm speechless. I was surprised because I had left my metallic link rings in the dressing room when I performed during the heats but I must of had that little bit extra for the final.”

“It was the most amazing, overwhelming and terrifying experiences of my life but also one of the most rewarding.

“I'm deeply honoured to win this prestigious award competing against some truly formidable competition."

The Magic Circle president Jack Delvin said “Ben has magically manipulated his way to the title Young Magician of the Year 2011 and a great career awaits.”