MAGICAL Mandy has been practising magic in Bath for more than 10 years. She is a member of the Magic Circle and President of the Bath Circle of Magicians.

Her motto is 'Keep the magic alive' and every week in the run-up to Christmas she has been showing you how to perform simple but ingenious magic tricks around the Christmas dinner table.

This week's trick relies on lateral thinking which, according to Collins, the dictionary people, translates as: 'a way of solving problems by apparently illogical methods'. And you can bet on that...

1. Having belched and let the Christmas pud slide down, clear your throat and announce to your fellow lunch guests your wish to amaze and astound them. And when the jeering has died down, place a mug and deflated balloon on the table in front of you. Claim that you can lift the mug off the table without using your hands and when they continue to stare at you, perform the following...

2. Partially inflate balloon. If this proves too tough (and some balloons can be) ask a parent or very large auntie to help you.

3. Place partially inflated balloon into mug and continue to blow. Balloon should now have filled the mug _ so much so in fact that you can lift the mug clear off the table.

4. Don't expect anyone to clap.

Disclaimer: Neither the Bath Star nor any of its subsidiary companies will be available for practical demonstrations, weddings or parties during the Christmas period.