HE’S SPENT 20 years building his name as a chartered surveyor, so perhaps Trevor Dawson’s alternate identity as a highly-skilled magician is less well-known.

Mr Dawson, whose business has grown across the North West to include offices in Blackburn, Burnley and Bolton, said magic was a source of escape from his working life.

His passion for illusions was sparked at the age of 12 when he saw a magician in Haslingden. “I just thought he was quite amazing,” he said.

“I went on to join the Modern Mystic League (MML) because I found it fascinating and I like entertaining people.

“You need a bit of magic in life. Conjuring can be a therapeutic hobby and is a confidence booster for both adults and children.”

In ‘more than 50 years’ since – Mr Dawson said his age was another mystery – he has become an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle and a specialist of close-up tricks.

He said his favourite was the Rising Card, when a card lifts from the pack, but said it was ‘doubtful’ he would reveal how the trick was done.

Mr Dawson is due to become president of the MML for its centenary year in 2014, which will be the third time he has held the position.

And he said he was encouraged by the younger members in the society, keen to learn traditional skills.

He said: “There are all these showy magic events, with big bangs and fireworks. But naturally people are suspicious that there are camera tricks.

“It is good to see proper close-up magic where the illusion comes down to skill.”

Trevor will be entertaining the crowds at Child Action Northwest’s Pound Day event at Oswaldtwistle Mills on Sunday.