A FORMER Stourbridge magician and his new wife have been named live act of the year by one of the largest holiday companies in the UK.

Recently married Tracie Hughes, originally from Stourbridge, and his wife Jennifer Hughes, from Haconby, Bourne, who perform together as magic, comedy and song duo Spellbound were voted the number one act by Parkdean Resorts at the holiday company's prestigious end of season awards.

The couple were delighted to win and Tracie, who used to run House of Magic (UK) in Brook Street, said: "We have been lucky enough to tour our show for over ten years entertaining families on their holidays in some of the finest holiday venues from the Isle of Wight to the top of Scotland. Now having been presented with this award is the icing on the cake."

Jen added: "We tour pretty solidly for eight months of the year and we’ve now got friends all over the UK, some of the most talented people in the industry.

"We see beautiful places and have so many laughs, and we get to do everything together as a couple - that’s really special.

“We are already looking forward to a very busy tour next year."

Pete Stedman, head of entertainment for Parkdean Resorts, said: "It was a well deserved accolade, Of our 10,000 nights of act bookings during the season from over a thousand acts - Spellbound are number one.

"They are one of the finest speciality acts in the UK. Combining magic, illusion comedy and song to create the perfect blend of live entertainment with great appeal to all ages across our holiday parks.

"They are not only a great act but Tracie and Jen are two of the most professional supportive and nicest people in the industry."

Julie Butcher, Parkdean Resorts artist manager, added: “Spellbound are always a pleasure to work with. Professional on stage, a joy off stage and always perform to extremely high standards. The teams look forward to their performances and they are always the first act on everyone’s wish list - we would give them 11 out of ten if we could."