Every P&J reader has their favourite thing about the newspaper – whether it be the local stories, the puzzles or the sports coverage.
But Banff magician Dean Spruce has a different reason than most for making a copy disappear from the shelves every day.
The performer says it is a “great newspaper to do magic tricks with”, and is going to prove his point next week with a new video being prepared for charities across the region to enjoy.
Mr Spruce and his fiancee Victoria McCann have been brightening up lockdown for north-east schools, nurseries and charities via some spell-binding videos of routines since restrictions were put in place.
He has been doing tricks for about 25 years, performing all over the region at parties, corporate events and university celebrations in that time.
When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, his work dried up and the couple started sharing footage online to cheer people up.
The video routines last between 16-20 minutes and the pair have even transformed part of their living room into a circus tent for the performances.
Mr Spruce added: “It’s something I usually do myself but my fiancee Victoria has been doing the magic routines with me too.
“It’s great having someone to bounce off and she’s a really good magician.”
The lockdown magic shows have encouraged the duo to get creative and think of their own tricks.
Mr Spruce said: “We’re currently shooting a video to perform a magic routine using the Press and Journal.
“I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but it’s a really great newspaper to do magic with.
“There’ll be six routines and it’ll be a good one for children and families to watch.
“I’ll put in a few links in this video too so that any children or adults who want to do magic can learn a few tricks at home too.”
The video will be shared online next week.
Mr Spruce said: “We’ve been doing one or two videos per week and we have seven more routines planned. It’s all free for people to watch.”
As well as a sizable audience in the north-east, people in places like London and New Zealand have been tuning in – with the clips notching up 20,000 views per week.
Mr Spruce said: “The feedback has been outstanding, some of the children that have been watching have said some really wonderful things about it.”
Mr Spruce’s interest in magic started from a young age as his grandfather was a magician too.
The duo already send links to their videos to 10 north-east charities and are happy to provide free shows to more groups.
For more information people can visit www.divinemagic.co.uk or look up Dean Spruce Magician on Facebook.