BALTI Sports’ end-of-season awards celebration was given a magic touch by ‘the magic man’ Paul Merson, as 85 people sat down for an evening with the former England and Arsenal star.

The event was held at the Nothe Tavern in Weymouth, with guests also enjoying a two-course meal as part of the night.

Speaking about the evening, Nothe Tavern owner Emma Cogswell told Echosport: “We had a blinding night and we are all very happy.

“Paul was very friendly, very funny, and he did a 45-minute set. It was very good.”

She added: “We had 85 people come and sit down for dinner and they all put their hands in their pockets as well to support and raise awareness of Balti Sports, which is a great story with all the work Marco (Nott, Balti manager) has put in.

“It’s all down to all the fantastic work all the volunteers do in these clubs.

“The community clubs are the life blood of the community.”