A BOLTON magician who entertained generations of audiences has sadly died.

Mr Keith Travis - known professionally as Keith Kay - died on Boxing Day at St Catherine’s Nursing Home, Horwich, aged 76, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

From an early age, Mr Travis developed a keen interest in magic, and when on holiday in Blackpool in 1955, he met Trixie Queen, a well-known magician of the time, who encouraged him to pursue his interest.

Shortly afterwards, he was inducted into the Top Hat Magic Club as its youngest member.

He became a full-time magician after being made redundant from a paper packaging company and went on to join the Order of the Magi magic circle, later becoming its president.

Mr Travis appeared on the children’s television programme, The Fun Factory, alongside Jeremy Beadle, and headlined his own show at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton.

He went on to create several optical illusion books for children which were published in the UK and America, the royalties from which will now be donated to the local Parkinson’s branch.

Public-spirited Mr Travis was also a lay preacher and a volunteer at Blackburn Hospital radio. In addition, he wrote and produced the local Parkinson’s newsletter.

Mr Travis’ is survived by his two sisters, Jacqueline and Pamela.

Pamela said: “He was a wonderful brother and a good friend to all. He will be truly missed by all his family and friends.”

A funeral service will be held at Overdale West Crematorium at 3pm today.