A COMPTON conjurer proved he had the magic touch when he was crowned Young Magician of the Year.

Ben Farrar, 16, took the title at a national competition, held at the Magic Circle Headquarters in London and will be given full membership to The Magic Circle when he turns 18.

The magician, who also holds the titles for close-up magic champion 2007 and stage magic champion 2007, said: "I'm happy because it's taken quite a long time to get to this point. I've had to go through heats and rehearse pretty much every day. The actual competition was very intense - we had to do two acts and didn't get much time in between."

Ben, who has just finished his GCSEs at Kings' School, impressed the judging panel with his act, which included a floating light which mysteriously rose out of a briefcase. It also featured an apparently endless stream of salt poured from his hands and the flex from his light bulb holder took on a life of its own as it danced around his body.

The judging panel, which comprised experienced and professional magicians as well as the head of a group of stage schools, said: "This competition was of an extremely high standard but Ben's combination of skill, charm and entertainment value ensured that he became a worthy winner."

Ben's proud parents, Simone and Mike Farrar, said: "We're very proud and delighted for him. He's worked very hard and with dedication he's achieved his goal."

The teenager, who goes by the stage name, Ben Hart, said that he was looking forward to joining the magic circle in two years' time, as it would give him the opportunity to meet and talk with the country's top magicians.

In the meantime, he plans to start at Peter Symonds College in September, when he will study A levels in chemistry, biology, psychology, drama and theatre studies.

*View a video of Ben on this website