MESMERISING magician Benjamin Dickinson pulled a rabbit out of a hat to lift the 2016 Grab title, the Ribble Valley’s inter-schools talent contest.

The 11-year-old, who attends Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe, wowed the sell out crowd at Clitheroe's Grand Theatre with his jaw-dropping card tricks.

Benjamin has been performing magic for family and friends since he was seven and taught himself by watching his favourite magician Steven Frain on television.

Benjamin, who picked up the £700 first prize, said: “I never get tired of watching the reaction of amazement on people’s faces, making them think that I do extraordinary things.

“I love magic and I spend hours every day practising my tricks, mainly for my mum and grandma.

“Sometimes, though, I get told off at school for doing my magic – but one day I want to be a professional magician.”

Grab judge, actress Lindsey Dawson, who has appeared in Shameless, Emmerdale and Coronation Street, said: “Benjamin’s act was out of this world.”

Classical duo Freya and Neve, both in their final year at Bowland High School, landed the runner’s up prize.

The third and fourth prizes also went to Bowland, with pianist Phillip Baron and dancer Tilly Broadhurst also on the Grab honours board.

Last year’s champion - ukelele maestro Lewis Bowes – proved a massive hit with the packed auditorium as he returned to play at the Grand 12 months after lifting the big prize.

And there was a special performance from Britain’s Got Talent star Ella Shaw from Langho, one of the Grab Judges, who sang an original remix of Adele’s Hometown Glory.

Ella, a former Grab runner-up, said: “Grab was a massive thing for me when I was a teenager.

“It gave me the confidence to go out and perform in front of big crowds."

The audience also saw a clip of a documentary film, showing how the Grand’s Solomon Project Charity is saving lives in Africa.

Steven Lancaster, The Grand’s director and who hosted the show, said:“Once again it was inspiring to see so much incredible talent from the Ribble Valley and they should all be very proud of their tremendous efforts and hard work.”

Steered by the Grand’s High School forum members, with support from venue and school’s staff, Grab 2016 will see charities Cancer Research, Friends of Serenity and the Solomon Project, all benefit from money raised by the event.

In partnership with the Clitheroe Lions, the Grabby’s will be staged at the Grand on March 12 and will raise money for charitable causes.

For more details call the Grand Box Office. 01200 421599.