ENTERTAINER Cheeko the Clown will return to Greenock for his first public shows in 20 years following performances in places like Malawi and Malta.

Cheeko, aka Greenock magician and all-round entertainer Tommy Templeton, has performed all around the world recently but is eager to get back on stage in his hometown.

His hugely popular act has also been a favourite up and down the UK for four decades and his magic skills have proved a hit ever since he joined the famous Magic Circle in 1972.

Tommy's talent has taken him to places like Malawi, Malta and Cyprus to lecture and perform for their respective local Magic Circle clubs.

But the prospect of his homecoming show at The Albany, in Orangefield Place, Greenock, on Tuesday is just as exciting.

He said: "I've done lots of private events but this will be my first public show for ages - I'm looking forward to it.

"My last show was the Arts Guild about 20 years ago." He added: "It's a show for children and families.

"I've been all over the world and I was out in Malawi recently and lectured in Malta and Cyprus with the Magic Circle.

"I've lectured pretty much everywhere in the UK and also worked with Deacon Blue and The Proclaimers.

"The magic side of things has always been good for me and I'm 22 years full-time at it now and I've not starved yet - although I have come close a few times.

"The highlight of my career was performing at Allan McGraw's testimonial. He's my hero so it was an honour to do a cabaret at his testimonial night." The all-round entertainer was born and bred in the Strone area of Greenock and has also lived in Braeside and South Street.

He served his time as a joiner in local firm Blairs and worked in other companies before serving as a fireman at Greenock fire station and then moving into magic and entertaining full-time.

Now residing in Erskine, Tommy's love of magic and entertaining was inspired by his grandad who was blind but still managed to do a host of tricks which amazed a young Tommy.

He said: "My grandfather was blind and was a bit of a character.

"Even although he was blind he still did a lot of tricks and that amazed me - it got me interested in magic and that was it." Cheeko has been busy performing at holiday camps including in Dunoon as well as the safari park near Stirling and is also very involved in charity work including with The Variety Club children's charity.

He now heads to The Albany for two shows at 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday 23 July.

It will feature plenty of magic, competitions and audience participation.

For more information and for tickets call 866100 or visit www.ticketsource.com Also see www.cheekotheclown.co.uk for more information about Cheeko.