WINCHESTER magician Ben Hart has finished third in one of the world's biggest talent competitions after wowing the public with his tricks.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in the city, had made it through to the Britain's Got Talent live final alongside ten other acts, following an impressive display in Thursday's semis.

By the end of the ultimate round on Sunday night, Ben was one of three performers left on the stage as hosts Ant and Dec dramatically revealed the top three winners.

He was beaten only by masked magician, X, in second place, and overall winner Colin Thackery, the Chelsea pensioner.

Ben, a former Kings’ School and Peter Symonds College student, had previously said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have come this far in the competition and to be able to share my magic with so many people.

“It’s been a nerve-wracking experience but I've loved every second of it. I hope to help people experience that same feeling of astonishment and wonder that has hooked me for so long."

Ben is a member of the Inner Magic Circle, and his solo performances have seen him travel around the world, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Arena, and to private parties for billionaires, rockstars and Hollywood celebrities.

He has received rave reviews for his sell-out magic shows and performed for two years in the West End as part of the international touring show, Impossible.

When he is not performing, Ben devises magic tricks and special effects for the world of theatre.

His clients include the Royal Shakespeare Company, the stage production of The Exorcist, The Old Vic and many others.

Ben has never performed a solo show in Winchester, but has recently announced he will headline the Theatre Royal in Jewry Street on November 17.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office or via the theatre’s website.