Joe Harper, 14, dazzled judges at the Northern Magic Circle's Easter Parade with his 10-minute routine, featuring five amazing tricks.

Among the crowd was one of Joe's magical heroes, Paul Daniels.

Driffield School student Joe, of The Mount, said: "It was brilliant. It was a small convention so we got to meet everybody and Paul Daniels was really nice.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard I had won. I was running round the kitchen.

"The best thing about doing magic is the look on people's faces. People from school who I don't even know come up to me now and ask me to do tricks for them.

Joe was initially introduced to magic by his grandfather, George Bates.

He went on to join the junior section of the Hull Magicians Club in September 2004, along with his cousin Dan Taylor.
At the monthly meetings, junior members are given help from adult members and are given chance to compete against each other.

Members also travel further afield to attend lectures and conventions, such as the one held in Durham last weekend. Joe and his dad David, 46, only decided to make the trip up to the north east a couple of weeks ago, so had to quickly put together a routine and then rehearse it every night.

They compiled a varied show, featuring tricks with a ring and rope, silk handkerchiefs and a giant playing card!

Despite the hours of rehearsal, Joe was not very confident before taking to the stage on Sunday night.

He was one of seven youngsters from right across the country taking part.

"There were some lads there that were older, a couple had even won it before," said David.

"So Joe was pretty nervous beforehand, but he did really well once he was up there.

"He more or less stuck to the script we had prepared, but he also threw in a few funny ad libs which went down well with the audience," he said.

Before appearing on stage, Joe had received some expert tips from Paul Daniels.

And the world-famous magician also spoke to Joe after his performance, to tell him how much he had enjoyed it and offering some advice for the future.

"That made Joe's day. I think he would have been quite happy just to have gone home and not won anything after that," said David.

But when the pair returned back to Driffield to meet up with mum Gloria and Joe's sister Laura, 10, they later heard that Joe had won the trophy for the best stage act and also an award for comedy.
At a family meal on Monday night, Joe was able to do a few tricks for his relatives to celebrate.

He is already booked to perform at his mother's forthcoming birthday party and has also done one children's party.

But despite his recent success, David said Joe is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

"It would be nice for him if he could become a magician but he is keeping his options open at the moment," he said.

"He isn't letting this get in the way of his studies.

"Joe also plays the piano, so he might do that as well."

Joe's next major challenge is a competition held by the Hull club in June.

"I wouldn't really like to say if I will win it but I hope so," said Joe.