A Harrogate boarding school is claiming the Harry Potter phenomena may have something to do with a record intake this year.

Harrogate Ladies College says 201 of 375 pupils on the roll have opted to board in the current academic year - more than in any year in the past decade.

Personal recommendation is also thought to have played a prominent part, but staff admit J K Rowling's magical tales about the young wizard's life as a boarder at Hogwarts have helped to revive the jaded image of dorms and common rooms.

"Of course we are delighted the image of boarding has changed," said headteacher Dr Margaret Hustler.

"For too long, people based their perceptions on Enid Blyton's books, which were not at all representative of a boarding school in the 21st Century.

"But what matters is not image but the reality and our new boarders have been influenced by the great education we offer here."