WHEN magician Paul Daniels was asked to perform at a young offenders' institution in his native North-East this weekend, he did not hesitate to say yes.

Even stories of a prison riot at Deerbolt YOI, in Startforth, near Barnard Castle, last Wednesday evening did not deter the entertainer who loves a challenge.

He said: "I heard about it but I hardly think it was a riot. I think it was exaggerated. There were something like eight lads involved.

"There was never a question of me not coming. I like going to places where I am not expected to be.''

Daniels, who has just completed a tour of village halls in Teesdale, County Durham, reflected on his own childhood in South Bank, Middlesbrough, and said his own upbringing could easily have led to him being a guest of Her Majesty if he had not chosen a very different route.

He said: "I had a tough background. Growing up in South Bank, I could easily have ended up like one of these lads but, fortunately, I didn't. When I nicked a plastic toy at the age of 11, I had seven bells knocked out of me and I decided that was enough. It hurt too much."

The aim of the show was always to entertain, but it was clear that the magic man hoped to make a connection and set an example.

About 25 young men, aged between 18 and 21, sauntered in to the small room and took their seats, seemingly unimpressed at the prospect of seeing a magician in action.

But one or two did admit to being secretly excited by it all.

News of the star's impending arrival was broken to the select group two weeks ago.

David Mitchell, 20, said: "I have never seen a magician before, so I have been looking forward to it. I have heard of Paul Daniels. He was on the television.''

Sceptical blank faces soon changed to laughter and curiosity as Daniels made no hesitation in poking fun at himself as well as the inmates, all the while capturing their attention with card tricks, hiding a golf ball under the cup and concealing coins and handkerchiefs.

He spoke of street entertainers in Barcelona and their cons with cards and hiding the ball.

Daniels said: "There is no way you can win. Yeah, you can make money but if you get caught, you get ten years.

"So, if you work it out over that length of time you will earn more doing a paper round. I have been poor and I have been rich. Believe me, rich is better.''

Reluctant volunteers soon enjoyed the experience, gasping as trick after trick prompted the question, "How did you do that?"

Afterwards, the applause was genuine and the queues started as many wanted to ask more questions in private.

And of the most important question - did Daniels make a connection?

Maria Waddington, head of skills for life at the YOI, said: "He certainly did. He was fantastic. Really, really entertaining. The lads sat quietly and listened. They concentrated and took it all in.''