A WREXHAM magician hasn’t let lockdown stop him from bringing joy to children and families across the region.

Rhosduu resident Andrew Green, who has been doing magic professionally for more than 25 years, saw his bookings disappear quickly as coronavirus precautions were stepped up in recent weeks.

But thanks to technology, 43-year-old Mr Green said he has found another way to bring his entertainment to people.

He told the Leader: “Normally during the summer I’d be doing weddings, private parties, holiday parks, corporate events - usually I’m flat out.

“But in a matter of five or six days, all of my private events were cancelled, which is understandable.

“Then obviously with lockdown all venues have closed too, so more or less overnight my business disappeared.

“I have been using Houseparty and Zoom to speak to family and friends and I tried doing magic over that.

“I didn’t think people would connect with it at first, but I was genuinely blown away.

“So I have set up my office and did a show for for family and friends at first.

“It was quite emotional afterwards because I got so many messages from parents about how much their children had enjoyed it.

“One lady said she saw a smile on her young boy;s face which had been missing for days.

“I never imagined it would have this kind of impact, so now I am just trying to spread the word about the shows.”

Mr Green said he has now started a new section of his shows, where he teaches viewers a simple trick at the end.

“That way they have something they can practice afterwards,” he said.

“I let parents know what they will need - rubber bands and pens for example - and I encourage children to make their own magic wand before the show so they can use their arts and crafts, and so they have one of their own to wave at the camera and help with some of my tricks during the show.”

Speaking of what he plans to do next, Mr Green added: “One thing I have been looking at going forward is for children who are in hospital and can’t get out for their birthdays, or to see friends.

“There are opportunities to reach out to the different hospital charities to see if there’s something I can do to help them.”

Mr Green said at the moment he is taking private bookings, but will be starting ticketed shows in the next week.

To find out more, including how to book, visit www.andygreenmagic.com or search for @andygreenmagic on Facebook.