CHILDREN had a magical experience at one of the region's premier museums.

Diagon Alley, the shopping street in the Harry Potter books, was recreated on the Victorian Street at Preston Park Museum in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton.

Youngsters had the chance to dress up and shop in wand, broomstick, swooshing cape and magic potion shops as well as visit an owl emporium.

There was a chance to find out about real life owls as demonstrations were given by North Yorkshire Moors Birds of Prey.

A spokesman for the museum said the activities were a success. "Our young wizards could join the Preston Park School of Magic with wand and broomstick training as well as learning about the Dark Side of Plants and make mystical lanterns in a drop-in family craft session," he said.

The events were part of a programme of activities for the half term holidays.

The museum recorded its highest number of visitors in the summer since re-opening in 2012 following a £7m refurbishment. A total of 50,000 visitors were attracted to the museum, which is based in a popular park, during the summer holidays.

Find out more about the museum at prestonparkmuseum.co.uk