Magicians from all over the world are set to descend on Great Yarmouth for an international convention which will see them share tricks of the trade and compete against each other.

Delegates from Las Vegas and San Francisco are expected to attend the annual convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring when it comes to the resort for the first time in 21 years in September.

More than 500 magicians will descend on the town for a packed programme of competitions, lectures, public events and magic in the community from September 26-30.

Great Yarmouth has wrestled the right to host the convention from Eastbourne in East Sussex.

The organisers were in Yarmouth yesterday to promote the convention and visit the venues they will be using.

North Walsham magician Roy Davenport was on hand to perform the 'sawing in half' illusion on Britannia Pier which he will be performing at a public gala show on September 29.

Mr Davenport carried out the stunt on Kirsty Burn, marketing manager at Great Yarmouth Tourism.

Afterwards she said: 'I feel a bit funny in the tummy to be honest. What an experience!'

The gala show at the Britannia Theatre will be headlined by British magic legends Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee.

Other magicians booked to perform during the convention are Andrew van Buren, Michael Vincent, Nick Einhorn, Scott Penrose, Craig Christian and Richard Cadell and Sooty.

Alan Carr, head of tourism at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: 'It is going to be a truly magical five days. We are really looking forward to welcoming back the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring.

'There's going to be a real buzz in Great Yarmouth in late September with the magicians taking over the Britannia Pier, Hollywood Cinema and the newly refurbished St George's Theatre for their special events.

'We are delighted that they will be bringing magic into the community, giving those unable to attend public events a taste of the best of British magic.'

Brian Miller, president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring, said: 'We are delighted to be back in Great Yarmouth and look forward to enjoying the much improved facilities that have been provided since our last visit.

'We hope the local community will support our top class gala show on September 29 where they will see some of the best of Britain's magicians.'

For more information visit www.magicconvention.co.uk