HARRY would not be happy - and mere muggles could be left facing heartbreak at Christmas.

Because a mysterious spell appears to have been cast over this year's craze for anything to do with the young wizard.

Toy shops are reporting that popular Lego versions of the Hogwarts Express and Castle, at £39.99 and £69.99 respectively, are failing to arrive to meet customers' orders.

Worse still, the £85 Hornby version of the locomotive - expected to be another big seller but only of a limited issue - is disappearing from the shelves as fast as they are put on display.

As in previous years, demand for the hottest toys on the market is sending parents into a frenzy.

But the mad rush for past-favourites, such as Thunderbird's Tracey Island and Furbies, seems insignificant when compared to Harry mania.

Barry Lamb, who has run a toy shop in West Auckland Road, Darlington, for more than 40 years, says he received 117 calls last Sunday from parents desperate to get their hands on the Lego toys.

Having placed an order in the summer, Mr Lamb received a confirmation that the toys were on their way - only to be told at the last minute, and without explanation, that his shop would not be getting any.

Mr Lamb said: "I feel very sorry for the parents and the kids will be heartbroken. They see something they want and think Father Christmas will get it for them.

"Lego clearly did not realise the potential of Harry Potter - it is the first film in the series and I can only compare it with something like Star Wars.

"There are always shortages at this time of the year, but in 30 years this has never happened."

The shop received 12 of the Hornby Hogwart Expresses, but these sold extremely quickly - some to collectors.

Experts say the hype surrounding the Potter film is fuelling the craze for toys, while the books are equally read by teenagers and their younger brothers and sisters.

Moira Downie, secretary of the British Association of Toy Retailers, said: "There is always a craze. It was Pokmon last year, which kept many of our members afloat.

"Harry is looking good for this Christmas, but other products are still in the frame.

"We are hoping pogo sticks will do well and there's a candy floss machine being sold which is expected to be popular."

Ms Downie said that Lego had faced "great demand" for some of its Harry Potter products, but was hoping to supply more at the end of the month.

Last night, a spokeswoman for Lego was unavailable for comment. Had Harry taken his revenge