WIZARDS helped to cast a magical spell over Ottakars book store in Newport as it opened its doors for the rush for the new Harry Potter book.

Children's manager Caroline Brentnall said children were queuing outside the shop when staff arrived at 7am.

They were due to open at 8am but let the youngsters in slightly earlier to reward them for their dedication.

Staff were dressed up - and hanging from the ceiling was a fabulous recreation of a quidditch match made by Barry Hartwell.

"We have been busy all day, it has been great," said Caroline, who said the release of this book had been bigger than ever before.

"A few of the children have bought them and then sat down and started reading straight away."

Staff at nearby WH Smith was also busy as customers collected pre-ordered copies from a special collection point and Harry Potter goodies were handed out to children.

* Youngsters dressed up as their favourite Harry Potter character for a competition in Ottakars on Saturday.

Four-year-old Dewi Billingham, of Beechwood, Newport, pictured, was impressive as house elf Dobby and was a popular winner. He received a hardback set of the Harry Potter novels.

Ieuan Billingham, eight, was second as Hagrid; Andrew Clark, six, of Allt-yr-yn, Newport, came as Malfoy and took third place, while Rogerstone seven-year-old Bethan Weetch's Hermione was fourth.

Megan Chaney, 10, of Cwmbran; Rhiannon Owns, seven, of Newbridge; Lauren Ezard, seven, of Newport and her two-year-old brother Christopher were all well-deserved runners-up.