CELEBRITY magician has been honoured by the Magic Circle.

Michael J Fitch, 37, has risen another step in the premier magical society, which has an international membership of 1,500 professionals.

In a ceremony at the Magic Circle's HQ, in London, Mr Fitch was honoured as a Silver Star Associate Member of the Inner Circle.

He began practising his craft, aged four, with a Paul Daniels magic set.

He said: "It's a nice stamp of approval and I'm very proud to be part of the circle.

"I've dedicated my whole life to the art of magic and will never stop learning.

"I have a big library of magic books and look at old effects for inspiration because something can be so old it becomes new.

"The Magic Circle is a always source of support because we're a community.

"Scott Penrose, who is the president, knows a lot about the history of magic and is very approachable also."

Mr Fitch grew up in Marks Tey, in Colchester, where he lives with his wife Helen and their two daughters, Savannah, 12, and Scarlett, 9.

His whirlwind career has seen him star in his own TV magic shows, take residency at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen and perform at The Queen's Golden Jubilee, in what he described as the highlight of his career.

A growing list of magician friends has also allowed him to travel abroad, which he will next month when he spends two weeks at Marvin Berglas' Magic School in Sardinia.

He also supports various charitable causes.

In July, Mr Fitch will bring back legend Wayne Dobson's sidekick Ringo Rabbit at a special birthday show.

It will be held at the Magic Circle, with the proceeds going to Multiple Sclerosis UK.

He added: "Wayne is an amazing guy and would do magic at the Royal Variety show, so although he has MS and is unable to perform at his best, he is a real inspiration to me."

Mr Fitch will also return to host the 2016 Gazette Business and Education Awards, covering north and south Essex later this year.

The awards season kicks off with the North Essex Business Awards on Friday, July 1, at Braxted Park Estate, in Witham.

For tickets, visit www.essexbusinessawards.co.uk.