A SHOW featuring a seven-year-old girl thought to be the country's youngest performing magician raised nearly £5,000 for the Acorns Children's Hospice.

The show was at the Fir Tree Inn, Much Cowarne, near Ledbury, run by Ali and Keith Price, whose daughter, Morgan, is the young conjurer.

Mr Price is himself a magician, and began to involve Morgan in his shows from an early age. "One day she said she didn't want to be a magician's assistant any more," said Mr Price, "And we thought, if she doesn't want to do it any longer, we won't make her. But then she said 'I want to be the magician!"

Morgan has been putting in the practice that every illusionist needs and has perfected an act that has been well-received by audiences.

"These are proper grown-up illusions she's doing, not kids' stuff," said Mr Price. "She's an honorary member of the Hereford Magic Society."

Saturday's event also featured appearances by comedian/singer Steve Laister, stand-up comedian Tank Sherman and other entertainers and raised £4,800. The evening also included an auction, where the top bid, £230, was for a performance by Morgan.

"Morgan really wants to do what she can to help these children," said Mr Price.