THERE were plenty of magical moments when Harry Potter and friends took over an East Lancashire town.

Aspiring wizards and witches turned up at a St Peter and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Rishton, for the visit of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Sybill Trelawney.

Rishton had won the witchcraft and wizardry experience, provided by Just Imagine NW, after receiving more votes than any other towns.

Up to 200 children and adults attended the event and had their photographs taken with characters from the popular JK Rowling books.

Youngsters had the opportunity to attend spell-casting sessions and classes in how to use their wands.

There were also stalls selling wands and refreshments.

Emma Clark, who helped to get the event to Rishton, said the event had brought the people of the town together.

Mrs Clark said: “It was a magical experience for everybody involved. The actors stayed in character throughout and the children were just in awe.

“Because people had to vote for Rishton to win the wizards takeover, it really brought the community together. All the children really enjoyed it and it was a fantastic atmosphere.

“On behalf of the people of Rishton I would like to send the most magical of thank you’s from the bottom of my heart for our Harry Potter experience tonight.

“Spells were created, dreams wished and the most magical memories made.

We cannot thank you enough.

“I would also like to thank everybody who came down and the headteacher and PTA at St Peter and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School for the use of their facilities.”

Mrs Clark said it was especially pleasing for Rishton to have won the experience, having finished second last time out.