THE magical world of Harry Potter was brought to life in Newton Aycliffe as part of a scheme to encourage green travel.

Youngsters at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School dressed up as characters from the celebrated J.K. Rowling novel for the special walk to school last week.

It was an especially exciting morning for nine-year-old Anna Shorten who won a competition to come up with a theme for the walk as part of the Local Motion Mega Motion Campaign.

The campaign, which is backed by Durham County Council, promotes sustainable travel and teaches children about the environmental and health benefits of walking and cycling to school.

Anna chose Harry Potter as a theme and was delighted when Hogwarts’ gamekeeper Hagrid turned up at her door to escort her and her classmates to school.

The loveable giant, played by a member of the Histrionics drama company, then lead a special assembly at the school to highlight the issues of green travel.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “It’s great to see local children not only having a memorable day but leading the way in promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly ways of getting to school.”