This is no hocus pocus or grand illusion — Oxford’s Richard Young has become one of the youngest ever magicians to win a place in the Magic Circle.

The 24-year-old magician, of Crowberry Road in Blackbird Leys, has practised his art since he was given a magic trick set when he was just eight.

His talent was spotted at an early age when he won a Magic Circle junior contest 10 years ago.

Mr Young said: "It is something you dream of as a kid — whatever you do in life you want to be respected by your peers. It means a great deal to be accepted.

"It was a case of practice, practice and more practice. I often used to get in trouble at school because I was doing card tricks for friends in class instead of learning."

Dedication to tricks and illusions over the years meant the former Peers School pupil would wow customers with magic while working at an electrical store in Templars Square shopping centre, Cowley.

Now with the Magic Circle's blessing and as one of the youngest and talented of its 1,500 worldwide members Mr Young has become a professional magician and hopes to emulate global superstars, such as David Copperfield and David Blaine.

Mr Young said: "I even used to do tricks for customers in Comet. I could do the trick where you throw a pack of cards at a window and the card you wanted would appear on the other side — only I would do it with a washing machine and the card the customer picked would appear inside.

"I must admit I was never a very good salesman."

Once invited, members belong for life, but can be thrown out of the circle for passing on magic secrets.

After Mr Young's skills came to the attention of the world of magic aged just 14 he was tutored by Magic Circle veteran Bob Swadling, from Wantage.

Earlier this year he was hand-picked to perform in front of a panel from the Inner Magic Circle. After proving his knowledge of history and ethics of magic Mr Young wowed the judges with a flawless performance of his favourite tricks. Later he received a phone call from the Magic Circle to announce his membership.

Mr Young added: "It means I can make magic my life. Some people don't believe it can be a profession but as a member of the Magic Circle it is like an industry stamp that I am the real thing."

Mr Young has spent all his life in Oxford and graduated with a business and marketing graduate at Oxford Brookes University.

Jack Delvin, vice president of the Magic Circle, said: "I was on the judges' panel and I was very impressed and believe he has a great future ahead of him."