THE Harry Potter phenomenon has reached a charity, where guide dog namesakes of the best-selling books are in training.

They may not be learning the witchcraft and wizardry taught at Hogwarts, but Harry and Potter are being taught equally important skills to guide blind owners.

Harry, a 15-month-old yellow retriever and labrador cross, and Potter, a year-old black labrador, are undergoing basic training at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Middlesbrough Centre.

Jackie Potter, the centre's community fundraising manager, said: "It seems quite a magical coincidence that we have Harry and Potter both here the week the film premieres.

"We are confident the dogs will be as good at guiding their owners as Harry is at the game Quidditch.