AJ the Entertainer, who gave up his job as a joiner to become a fulltime party man, has been named the county’s best entertainer by essexmums.org, an online network of mothers in Essex.

AJ, 31, of Third Avenue, Stanford-le-Hope, real name Andrew James Newton, entertains children and adults with his action-packed shows, featuring close-up magic, music and games.

He said: “I use bubble machines, a puppet, all sorts, but I think the kids respond best to just how bonkers I am.

“My mumwasawelcomer in Asda for 26 years and she had to be friendly and always smiling, so I got my personality from her.

AJ, who has a two-yearold daughter, has been entertaining the county for more than ten years.

! WIN an after-school party with AJ!

The Gazette has teamed up with him to offer your child the chance to win a two-hour after-school party with him.

To enter, email your child’s favourite joke – in no more than 100 words – to seema.

hakim@nqe.com and matt.

abbott@nqe.com.

We will pass all entries on to AJ, who will pick his favourite and we’ll announce the winner in the Gazette.

All entries must be received by 9am on Friday, October 10.