TOP illusionist Richard De Vere cooked up some culinary magic on live TV this week.

For Richard, star of Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Mystique show, is a keen amateur chef in his spare time.

Christa Hart, a presenter on ITV's Afternoon Live, tested Richard's prowess with surprise ingredients lamb and fungi, out of which he had to conjure a tasty meal. "I love cooking to relax," Richard told the Citizen. "I've just had a magnificent new kitchen installed at my home in Thornton. It really is the most important room in the house to me."

He particularly likes to cook fish, prawns or lobster in rich sauces. "I use lots of double cream," gleamed the slender artiste.

"It's a legacy from my grandmother, who was a very indulgent cook. But I only eat one meal a day, which helps me keep slim."

Not only does Richard cook for his two live-in staff, Lorraine and Trina, he also produces gourmet meals for his 13-stone co-star, Schnorbitz the dog.

"Her menu varies each day - everything from pasta to tripe, rice and all different types of meat," smiled Richard. "I must spend about £55 a week on her diet alone."

Meanwhile Schnorbitz, a St Bernard - the breed which rescued stranded travellers in the Alps -is helping Richard generate cash to buy a charity mini-bus.

At each Mystique performance this summer Richard and Schnorbitz are appealing for donations to provide the Schnor-bus, which will be available for Fylde charities to transport children, OAPs or the disabled.

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