SIX Harry Potter fans will meet the author behind the successful series at an exclusive event.

The youngsters were chosen for the honour after their school, Witton Gilbert Primary, near Durham, won a competition run by the Times Educational Supplement.

It offered schools the chance to enter a ballot for tickets to an event at London's Royal Albert Hall, on Thursday, June 26, at which JK Rowling will read extracts from her latest book and answer questions.

The six children were chosen from 18 in years ten and 11 who clamoured to take advantage of the opportunity.

Jane Davis, deputy headteacher at the school, which was among several earmarked for possible closure last week by Durham County Council, said: "I spoke to the head thinking it would be a wonderful opportunity, but never dreaming we would be successful.

"I applied for six children and two adults thinking that was a number we could easily get to London.

"It has generated considerable interest and excitement."

As part of the trip, costing £70 a child, the youngsters will stay overnight and visit the London Eye.

Ms Davis appealed for anyone who could offer sponsorship to contact her, on 0191-371 0424.