A STAGE hypnotist and street magician from Bolton is set on becoming the next celebrity magic act.

Matt Grindley trained as a baker when he left school but his love of magic soon saw him taking to the stage in Blackpool, entertaining crowds with his clever slight of hand and mind tricks.

Now the performer has released a DVD, filmed largely in his home town, which sees him take to the streets to amaze passers by with his skills.

Matt, aged 30, of Hawkshaw Street, Horwich, said: "I wanted to film in Bolton and keep it local, so I do a lot of street magic like card tricks and mind reading."

The DVD sees Matt amazing people inside Sweetens Bookshop, in Deansgate and the Inca Restaurant in Horwich. It also sees the performer on the streets of Blackpool, where he does many of his summer season shows.

Matt is a fully-qualified hypnotherapist and, aside from his appearances on stage and at corporate events, he also works with people who are trying to quit smoking.

The former pupil of St George's High School in Walkden said: "I have always been into magic, ever since my mum bought me a Paul Daniels magic set when I was a kid".

Matt says his stage show is a mix of magic and comedy. He often tries out new magic on his wife Claire and his nine year-old twins Megan and Reece.

l Matt Grindley's Illusion DVD is in shops now and costs £12.99. You can also buy it online, and find out more about Matt, at www.mindset.gb.com.