A KIDDERMINSTER man is enjoying every minute of his working life after conjuring up the careers of his dreams.

Thirty-four-year-old magician Andy Kirk, of Mallory Drive, Spennells, who describes his work as being, "a pleasure when I can bring enjoyment to others", will be rewarded for his efforts when he receives a top magician's honour at a prestigious presentation in Sutton Coldfield in March.

Mr Kirk, who was the president of the Kidderminster League of Magicians in 1996, and has successfully ran his Andy's Magic business for eight years, will be given a British Magic Society award for excellence in performing ability - a prize given to only a handful of magicians each year.

He said: "Magic started off as a casual hobby of mine when I was younger but my interest gradually developed and then I thought I could make a real go of things and try and make a living as a magician.

"Thankfully my decision paid off because even though I enjoyed the five years I spent in the insurance industry, becoming a magician was always a long-term ambition of mine."

Bewdley-born Mr Kirk, who has spent virtually all his life in Wyre Forest, performs for children and adults at venues ranging from playgroups, schools, hotels, wedding receptions and restaurants.

Some folk may have seen him in action during various BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester roadshows across the county and during last year's Inland Boat Show on the River Severn in Worcester.

He said: "When I perform for adults, tricks involving coins, cards and ropes always seem to prove very popular and a lot of the youngsters are very fond of one of my puppets, Charlie the monkey."

His work takes him across the Midlands, with Worcester, Birmingham and Malvern popular destinations, but he is predominantly Kidderminster based.

The former Bewdley High School and Lacon Childe School student added: "One of my most interesting forthcoming bookings is a Chinese New Year magic show I have been asked to do in Worcester.

"That should be tremendous fun. However, that is the beauty of magic, each performance is different and everything in my job is very rewarding and brings enjoyment to people.

"If I can get people to laugh and have a good time then I am delighted."