TOURISM giant Merlin Entertainments has set up a £300,000 fund for its own new charity to help underprivileged children.

The Poole-based company has started Merlin's Magic Wand with an initial sum of £100,000 in cash plus £200,000 worth of free tickets for seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged children and their carers.

The firm is the world's second biggest attractions operator with more than 50 attractions in Europe, Asia and the US.

Its brands include the Sea Life Centre, Legoland, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds.

Chief executive Nick Varney said: "We operate in 12 countries across three continents and last year we welcomed 32 million guests to our 52 attractions.

"Merlin's Magic Wand will help make it possible for a great many children who wouldn't otherwise be able to, to come to those attractions and enjoy some magical memorable experiences."

Merlin says that it already supports charity and community activities to the tune of £2.5 million per annum.

Merlin's Magic Wand has been established as a UK charitable trust and is in the process of being registered with the Charities Commission in the UK.

Attractions will help swell the charity's coffers with their own fund-raising activities, and donations are also expected from benefactors including some of Merlin's major suppliers.

The Merlin Group also includes Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures, Warwick Castle, Heide Park in Germany and Gardaland in Italy.

Weymouth Sea Life boss Gareth Lay said: "The greatest reward for those of us who work in the attractions is the joy on the faces of happy visitors, especially our younger visitors.

"We can't wait to help get even more children smiling in the future, especially those whose lives are much less fortunate than most."

A board of trustees has been set up to manage the Magic Wand fund and make awards, which could be in any of the countries in which Merlin operates.

Download application forms for awards from the charity's website www. merlinsmagicwand.org