HE'S been around for a few years now - but the appeal of the world's favourite trainee wizard is showing no signs of abating.

Youngsters of all ages dressed up as Harry Potter and his pals as part of a weekend of festivities in the Ryedale market town of Malton.

They were taking part in a costume competition at a special Harry Potter magic show held as a prelude to the town's motor show.

The show was launched last year and was so successful it is now set to become an annual affair.

Former Heartbeat star Bill Maynard, who is about to reprise his wily Claude Greengrass character in a new hospital series, The Royal, opened the event.

And the local brewery, at Suddabys Crown Hotel, got into the spirit of the event by holding a beer festival.

Other attractions included live music, demonstrations by the police and fire services, buskers, a paint-balling range, face-painting and balloon sculpting.

The show began last year to give the town a commercial boost after the foot-and-mouth crisis forced the cancellation of local agricultural shows and hit the local economy.

Now it is part of a long-term strategy to revitalise the town, while raising money for the local hospital at the same time.