Central City News: Touch of magic for revellers; BROAD STREET: Cards stacked in favour of schoolboy wizard AJ's sleight of hand.

Byline: By Neil Elkes

THIRSTY revellers are used to seeing drinks disappear at pubs and bars in Broad Street.

Now they are getting used to seeing cards and coins vanish, thanks to budding young magician AJ.

The 16-year-old is fast becoming known on Birmingham's Golden Mile for his close-up magic.

AJ - Alistair Pardoe - moves from table to table conjuring up entertainment for clubbers and diners as he develops his skills.

The young magician from Barnt Green only got the bug for magic two-and-a-half years ago and has taught himself through DVDs and books. The King Edward's School, Edgbaston, pupil has now blagged a regular slot at the Hard Rock cafe, in Broad Street, where he moves from table to table showing his skills.

AJ said: "I have just started out, but I am enjoying it and am getting better all the time.

"It's all close-up stuff, cards and coin magic and so on. People are responding really well - they seem to enjoy it and the venues are pleased."

In fact the response has been so great the AJ is starting to get requests and commissions, although he is not yet ready to take it up full-time.

"I will probably use it to pay may way through university," he added.

CAPTION(S):

SHARP... magician AJ, 16, makes a name for himself along the Golden Mile.