A magician is calling on younger generations to take up their wands and get involved in magic.

Ali Cardabra, of Silver Street, in Enfield, has been performing for more than 25 years across the world as a magician and with his characterisation of Charlie Chaplin.

The conjuror has seen the number of young people picking up wands dwindle over the years, but is hoping to reinvigorate the profession in his new role as President of the Merlin Magical Society.

He told the Enfield Independent: “A lot of people do magic, but on their own, which can be a problem because you don’t get the experience of performing to a crowd and getting your magic out there.”

The group currently has 20 members and holds meetings every other Thursday at Littelheath Parish Hall, in Potters Bar.

Mr Cardabra added: “There is a wide variety of skills that people can learn and it is all incredible fun. You get to perform in front of others and the more experienced people can tell them little things to improve their performances.

“Magic touches so many lives and it would be fantastic to see more people take it up. We want to put magic back on the map.”

The society started in 1930 in Enfield before moving to Barnet.