A BEST-SELLING Harry Potter book signed by the author is available to the highest bidder in a North-East children's charity auction.

Acclaimed writer JK Rowling donated a signed first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to the Whoops! Child Safety Project, based in Gateshead.

Project officer Manuela Williams said that Ms Rowling was so impressed with the work of the Gateshead team that she provided the prized copy of the latest Harry Potter series to be auctioned.

Proceeds from the telephone auction will be passed onto the project's support charity, The Children's Foundation.

The foundation funds medical and lifestyle research as well as community-based projects to improve the health and well-being of young people across the region.

The Harry Potter book will be sold to the person making the best offer by noon next Friday, on the 24-hour free-phone line 0191-202 3006.