Magic hoopla elementary for the Watsons

Picture / Greg Bowker

Alan Watson has won the 2006 Grand Master of Magic Award. Watson, 56, said he gave up his day job to become a full-time magician 17 years ago. "The wand of magic was passed down to me by my great-uncle and now I have passed it down to my daughter and my granddaughter," said Watson. His seven-year-old grand-daughter Aleshia Spiers often accompanied him on stage and was New Zealand's youngest registered magician.

His wife, Michele, or his daughter Melanie (pictured with swords) took on the role of assistant.

It has been an eventful few days for the veteran magician after he also scooped a Benny Award for a lifetime's achievements in the professional entertainment industry.