A BOLTON magician is determined to conjure up the pounds to benefit good causes . . .

And, in keeping a pledge made on television in front of millions of viewers, award winning magic man, Paul Sidebotham, is offering his services free of charge.

Paul, of Derwent Road, Highfield, Farnworth, appeared on the Granada TV programme Day of Promise and vowed to use his talents to benefit charities and good causes throughout the rest of his career -- and never to charge a penny.

The 34-year-old appears at Bolton Magicians Club, Waverley Road, every fortnight with his comedy and magic show.

He leaves his audience spelbound with a number of amazing card tricks and his performance often concludes with a breathtaking fire routine in which he seemingly burns to cinders a £10 note -- owned by a member of the audience -- before producing it again. Paul made his TV pledge to help charities in a bid to "put something back into the community".

He explained: "This is not some half-hearted promise and I really mean what I said. A lot of people have helped me in the past and now I want to return the favour.

"As from now I am available for charity events, old people's homes, anywhere that can't afford to pay for entertainment themselves."

Paul became interested in magic as a young child when his parents would often buy him books and games.

But when, at 18, he was diagnosed as suffering from the brain condition hyper-mania, his hobby took a back seat.

That was until seven years ago when, inspired by the likes of Paul Daniels and David Copperfield, he decided to devote the majority of his time to magic.

Since then he has regularly been honoured by his Bolton club, including a highly coveted award for contribution to magic.

Anyone interested can contact Paul on Bolton 451402.