HE has taken his tricks all over the world.

Now Horwich magician Matt Grindley is looking forward to what he says is the highlight of his career — performing for the cast of popular 1980s television sitcom Hi-de-Hi! at their 30-year reunion.

Hi-de-Hi! remains one of the country’s best loved comedy series and attracted millions of viewers in its heyday.

The show, written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the duo behind Dad’s Army and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, was set in 1950s holiday camp Maplins. It made household names of cast members such as Su Pollard, Paul Shane and Ruth Madoc.

Mr Grindley said: “I am a big fan of the programme and it is an honour to be able to join the cast for a weekend and perform for them.

“I was asked to be a special guest and it has come about because I know a few people connected to Su Pollard who played Peggy Ollerenshaw.

“This is one of the highlights of my career and I am thrilled.” The reunion is being held in October at the Cliff Hotel in Dovercourt, Essex, where some of the filming for the show took place.

Mr Grindley, aged 32, has been interested in magic since the age of nine and has been a professional for five years.

But the father-of-three had a number of jobs before becoming a full-time magician.

Mr Grindley, of Hawkshaw Street, said: “I have been into magic since my mum bought me a Paul Daniels magic set when I was younger. It is great to be able to do something you love and make money out of it.

“It is quite difficult being away from home a lot but the children often come on tour when it is the school holidays and I try to come home as often as I can.”

Mr Grindley is due to start his Beach Magic Laughter show after Easter.

l For more information and tour dates visit www.matt grindley.co.uk