A MIND-READING magician from Essex is set to perform before the Queen after winning top television talent show Britain’s Got Talent.

Richard Jones, 25, is a member of the Household Cavalry.

The former Parachute Regiment Band member is set to hit the big time after a tear jerking magic trick on Saturday’s live final saw him scoop the top prize.

Richard claimed first place after his patriotic performance honouring fellow serviceman and magi- cian Fergus Anckorn, who entertained troops when he was held captive during the Second World War.

He has now bagged the top £250,000 prize as well as a spot on the bill of the Royal Variety Show after beating singer Wayne Woodward and Star Wars dance act Boogie Storm.

After the show Richard tweeted: “So pleased to have been on stage in front of the nation once again last night. Still in shock to have won, thank you.”

Richard picked up his love of magic after being taken to shows as a boy and he used to practice his tricks on his parents.

Speaking to the Standard , his mum Chris, 57, said: “It is really amazing. We couldn’t believe it – we were there watching and all the acts were brilliant.

“We haven’t seen him since Saturday as he was taken off for interviews.

“The piece he did [for the final] he had saved that for last because he wanted it to be a tribute.

“Some people were saying he needed to do bigger tricks – some- thing Las Vegas style – but he is an amateur magician on army pay.

“Fergus was amazing, he was backstage doing tricks with the judges. He is a lovely, lovely man.”

Chris said the last few days had been a whirlwind.

“We have had so much mail and answered a lot of messages,” she said.

“We are really proud of him.”

It was the second time Richard tried to audition for the show after having to miss out last year when the second round clashed with a passing out parade for the Household Cavalry.