A TEENAGE magician has completed a hat-trick of awards for his act, which includes a trick using The Northern Echo.

In his show, Robert Temple, 17, folds, tears and then magically restores copies of The Northern Echo.

Robert, a member of Durham Society of Magicians, which meets at Finchale College, won the British Magical Inter-Society Stage Championships in Blackpool, and then came second in the close-up championships, a title judged by some of the best magicians in the country.

Then on Monday, he won the close-up magic title staged by Newcastle Magic Circle.

Robert is studying A-levels in psychology, information technology and business studies at Sunderland High School, as well as a performing arts course at South Tyneside College.

However, after picking up a wand for the first time at five, he plans to use his skills to go professional next year.

Robert is used to showing off his skills at children's parties and weddings, but said it was different trying sleight of hand on fellow professionals at the recent championships.

He said: "I don't get nervous about it any more, but it is much harder to work in front of fellow magicians."

Anyone interested in joining the Durham Society of Magicians can call 0191-3849619.