Bradford strangers learn magic in just three weeks on BBC School Of Hard Tricks

School Of Hard Tricks is now available to view on the digital BBC Three channel through the broadcaster’s iPlayer.

Former detective sergeant Ashley Turner – who works for Leeds-based Candour Productions but is also a magician and stars in the show The Trixta - came up with the idea after realising how powerful magic could be during his time in community policing.

Mr Turner said that magic is a good skill for young people to learn as it helps to develop confidence and self-esteem.

Noting how magician Dynamo has gone on to win a global fan base, he told The Yorkshire Post: “We know someone from an estate in Bradford can go on to have worldwide, astronomical success.”

Mr Turner, whose two grandfathers were a detective and an illusionist, pitched the idea for the documentary in front of a live audience at last year’s Sheffield Doc/Fest.

It came after he entered the world of investigative journalism through an association with Channel 4’s Dispatches after 14 years in policing.

He wished to thank director Lee Chapman, producer Sally Summers and editor Luke Rothery.

Callum Keating, 21, got a place on the programme after the show makers attended Emerge, a youth work organisation he was volunteering with at the time.

He said: “You have to be confident in what you do and you have to be confident when you step on that stage.”

Another participant, Dylan, had been in gangs before appearing on the show, but is shown to flourish on the programme.