COSMO the Clown, known to generations of South Devon children, has been named Comedy Magician of the Year.

Cosmo (below), otherwise known as Allan Griffiths, scooped the title from the Devon Magic Circle.

"I'm delighted," said Cosmo, from Brixham. "It's always more difficult when you're being judged by your peers."

The Brixham funnyman, who has been a professional entertainer for 19 years and is the linchpin of Torbay Children's Week, is no stranger to awards having won both titles last year and Children's Entertainer of the Year from the Devon Magic Circle in the past.

But he hit the national trail 10 years ago for making the most balloon models while running the London Marathon in 1998.

Cosmo said he will be standing as an MP for the Ukulele and Magic Alliance in the next general election, with the aim of making ukulele lessons compulsory in all schools.

Cosmo added: "I would like to say a big thank you to the senior members of the magic circles who are always willing to pass their knowledge on to me. That's what's so nice about it all."