‘Every child in Norfolk has seen me at some point’ - magician celebrates 26th year of road safety shows

A magician is using sleight of hand to help children understand road safety for the 26th consecutive year.

Olly Day, 55, has been performing magic since he was a child and has been educating and entertaining in schools across Norfolk since 1992.

Mr Day brings his distinctive brand of road safety training to around 70 schools per year and has earned a peculiar sort of fame in the process.

Mr Day said: “Every child in Norfolk has seen me at some point. Kids are always shouting at me ‘hey you’re the man with the ferret.’

“The fortunate thing is, they seem to remember the message but not the magic.”

Mr Day said the show uses fun and silliness to convey a serious message.

He said: “There’s ten children a week in Norfolk that are injured in an accident on the roads so it’s very important for us to get out there and get the message over.

“In the show we cover everything: stop, look and listen, be bright at night, be seen be safe and making sure you wear your cycle helmets. That’s something I’m really passionate about getting over.”

Mr Day recently brought his box of tricks to the pupils of St George’s Primary School in Great Yarmouth and headteacher Melodie Fearns said it was vital that road safety lessons are effectively relayed.

She said: “The fact we are offered road safety training from Norfolk County Council is really important in keeping our children safe inside and outside of school.

“The way he does it in an engaging and motivating manner makes it all the better.

“The school is in an urban environment with busy roads. Many children don’t have gardens but small yards and eventually they end up playing in the roads, so it is a fundamental issue.”

As for why Mr Day is still performing after all these years, he said: “Of all the things I do, this is what I’m most proud of.

“The reactions are amazing. The whole point is it is fun, learning with laughter. I love doing it, it’s a great thing.