Magic in the air!

Staff have conjured up a new way of keeping holidaymakers entertained while they are waiting for take-off.

Four airport catering workers have been taught magic tricks to amuse passengers left kicking their heels in the departures lounge because of delays.

Theresa and Pip Mallinson, who are both customer service assistants but are not related, chef Matthew Sullivan and bar supervisor Steve Kay were sent on a special course to learn a range of card tricks and other illusions.

And now the budding David Copperfields are using their new skills to help frustrated sun-seekers while away the hours.

Steve, 44, a father-of-five, of Lidget Green, jumped at the chance of learning sleight of hand when he heard that his bosses were sending volunteers on a four-hour course at East Midlands Airport to learn magic.

He and his three colleagues, who all work for the airport catering company Select Service Partner, were taught about seven or eight tricks, including card tricks, how to make a magic candle rise in the air and how to make a silk hanky disappear.

"I've worked in the bar here for three years and I've often seen kids with long faces because of delays and thought it would be nice to do something to keep them occupied," he said.

Peter Smith, who taught the four rookie magicians, said the magic training was also good for the staff personally: "The training furthers both employees' own personal development and gives them more confidence both at work and socially."

The four were asked to practice on family and friends before Peter came to the airport to watch them perform.

"It was absolutely nerve-racking doing it for real for the first time but it has gone really well. People seem to appreciate it," said Steve.

Theresa, 23, of Huddersfield, said: "People waiting at the airport really appreciate something to keep them entertained, especially when there's a delay. The kids love it."

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