A LAKE District teenager who has taken big steps in the world of magic is set to embark on a trip to America after winning a scholarship.

16-year-old Jack Moodie's interest in magic emerged when he met the magician Michael King of Aces.

During lockdown, Jack, from Bowness, started learning magic online and his tricks developed with the help of Michael as his mentor.

As his interest grew he ended up joining the Magic Circle in London and busking in the Grassmarket as part of the Edinburgh Fringe - the world's biggest festival of arts and culture.

The Westmorland Gazette: Jack in Edinburgh.Jack in Edinburgh. (Image: Submitted)

The talent of the young magician was spotted by the famous Kevin Quantum - semi-finalist of Britain's Got Talent - who invited him to perform at Edinburgh Magic Fest.

With Jack's love for magic he wanted to take a step further and have the opportunity to attend a magic convention in Ohio.

Vanishing Inc, the company behind the convention were offering three tickets but to be able to entering the competition Jack had to do an act for charity.

"He immediately thought to do the charity event for deaf people", said Lorraine Moodie Jack's mother.

"When we were at the Edinburgh Fringe last year Jack saw John Bishop, who made a really funny piece about his son who's deaf and about him learning sign language and it really got Jack's interest in sign language."

The Westmorland Gazette: Jack at Barrow Deaf Club Jack at Barrow Deaf Club (Image: Submitted)

Jack developed a performance for Barrow and Kendal Deaf Club and the feedback was "amazing", said Lorraine.

"Magic is really visual and Jack is really excited of maybe doing another magic show for deaf people," she said.

As the act was a success, Jack's goal to go to Ohio was completed as he was awarded the ticket for the youth magic scholarship.

The Westmorland Gazette: Jack performing at Kendal Deaf Club Christmas party.Jack performing at Kendal Deaf Club Christmas party. (Image: Submitted)

"It is very important for me and I'm very excited to go. There are loads of different magicians going and I'm quite interested in the lectures and the way people perform different tricks", said Jack.

When asked about what it feels like to be a professional magician at a young age he said: "There is a lot of people that don't believe that magic can be an atual job from the age of 16. They try and form you into specific jobs."

For the aspiring magicians and those who would love to give it a try, Jack leaves some advice: "Practice. Some of the moves you just got to keep practicing before you take them out."

To contact Jack visit: https://www.thatmagicjack.co.uk/