Last week I hosted an event that helped to raise much needed funds for the MIND charity.

As the guests arrived and sat down for their meal, gasps of amazement and applause could be heard echoing throughout the room.

The reaction was as a direct result of some truly spectacular illusions and magic performed by the very charming and creative Luke Gravett the magician.

Some of you may have already seen him, but if not you must try as he will leave you gasping with amazement.

Luke has been performing magic for more than 20 years and has travelled the world with his passion.

Although magic is frequently seen on television –  when people witness it being performed in their own hands the experience is completely different. No camera tricks and no editing always makes for pure astonishment.

Luke is the resident magician at The National Botanic Gardens of Wales and also performs at the theatre shows at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire.

Most recently, Luke was the recipient of the Welsh National Weddings award for the Best Wedding Entertainment category which doesn’t surprise me at all.