WITCHES and wizards have been clashing broomsticks ever since the Harry Potter books first introduced us to Quidditch.

Now schoolboy Ryan Quinn, ten, has won the chance to represent his country in the International Quidditch World Cup.

As UK champ, Ryan has already been immortalised in a picture on the wall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban computer and video game, due for release next summer.

If he beats off competition from around the world, he will also win the trophy and title of Interactive Quidditch World Champion.

The final will be held at the Tower of London on December 21, where 12 international Quidditch champions, including Japan, Australia, France, Spain and the US, will don their national team robes at the knockout competition.

Ryan, of Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, said: "I am a massive Harry Potter fan and I also love computer games so this is a great combination for me. I'm really excited about the final."