Rochford's Oliver Tabor named UK president of International Brotherhood of Magicians

Oliver Tabor, a 43-year-old from Rochford, has become the UK president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the "biggest magic club in the world" with almost 18,000 members.

He first got into magic after a trip to Hamleys Toy Store when he was 12 years old.

Oliver said there was a counter selling magic tricks, where a staff member performed a card trick for him, and since then he fell in love with magic.

Magician - Oliver Tabor

Mr Tabor will hold the position for a year and in his role become an ambassador for magicians in the UK as well as promoting engagements, meetings, and conventions in both the UK and abroad.

He said: "When I was 12 years old and I saw one of the Hamleys staff member perform a card trick, I immediately wanted to do it.

"So, I received a box of magic tricks for Christmas and performed a show for my family.

"Then when I left school, I worked at a magic shop in London, called Davenports Magic, and this was my 'Hogwarts'.

"I worked there for five years and learnt so much, I met all famous magicians and was just inspired.

Magician - Oliver Tabor

"Since then, I have worked for holiday centres, theatres, cruise ships and now have my own show in London called West End Magic at the Leicester Square theatre."

Mr Tabor has also performed at the Alexandra Palace in London in front of thousands, as well as performing in a Beijing Magic Festival.

Some of his tricks include making doves appear, turning bubbles into glass balls, and making people levitate.

Oliver Tabor has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians since he was 16, as well as being on the council there for five years.

Magician - Oliver Tabor

He said it is an honour to be given this opportunity as president.

Mr Tabor said: "I was appointed the president in front of an audience consisting of my friends, family, mentors, teachers, heroes, and past presidents.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to have been given this opportunity.

"It is the biggest magic club and organisation in the world."