Two teenagers from Shrewsbury have won their way to the finals of a prestigious magic competition.

Marcus Taylor and Joe ‘Ray’ Rushworth, grandson of Geoff ‘Ray’ Rushworth – a well respected magician and member of the Inner Magic Circle – have got through to The Young Magician of the Year final.

The competition is held every two years and incredibly the last two winners have been from Shropshire.

The two 17-year-olds grew up together in Belvidere, Shrewsbury, and have been coached and guided by Geoff Ray.

But they had to compete against each other in the heats held on Sunday, at The Magic Circle Headquarters, and will be fighting to be crowned winner on July 15.

There were 22 entries from all over the UK performing all types of magic in front of an audience and four professional magician-judges.

Just six acts were chosen to go through to the final and Joe said he was thrilled to be in with a chance of winning.

Joe, who works for his father Paul’s company Rushworths Furniture, said: “It’s pretty good to be competing against Marcus. We usually help each other with our acts.

“We have been friends for a long time. We practice together and my grandfather teaches us both and gives us lessons. He tells us all his secrets.”

Joe is a member of the Young Magic Circle and hopes to join the Magic Circle when he is 18.