A BLACKPOOL magician is hoping locals will get their skates on to help him conjure up cash for his sporty granddaughter.

Joe Riding, a member of the Inner Magic Circle Gold Star, wants to perform magic in exchange for donations to help fund Olympic hope Sally Hoolin through her skating training.

Nine-year-old Sally has recently qualified for the British Novices Ice Skating Championships to be held in Nottingham in April, but Joe said her family is finding it tricky to make ends meet.

"Sally is one of the youngest ever to qualify and is the only one this year to qualify from the Fylde Coast," he said.

"Sally and her coach Vycki Eyre have their eyes set on the Olympics and Vycki is convinced that Sally has the talent to win Olympic medals in the next few years."

He added: "Unfortunately, as the Sports Council gives no financial backing to competitors as young as Sally, money for appearances, travelling to venues, training equipment and so on is a problem."

So Joe is taking bookings to entertain with his brand of close-up magic, palm reading and memory demonstrations at business and evening functions -- in return for nothing but sponsorship or donations for Sally.

Sally's mum Pam said Joe can entertain pub or bar customers at their tables, can help attract customers into shops and shopping centres -- without charging a fortune.

"This is your chance to save your company or yourselves several hundred pounds and at the same time help a budding young athlete to reach the top," she added.

Sally's coach, Vycki Eyre, said: "If she can't get the funding to be able to do the competitions she is going to struggle. Without competing in at least five championships through the year she will be held back.

"It is a very expensive sport. The costumes for instance cost about £140 each and the boots and blades cost a fortune."

But she added: "Sally really is one in a million. She has got something very special."

Anyone who can help can e-mail Joe on joe.riding@btinternet.com or phone 721406 for more details.