IN recent years JK Rowling and Ian Rankin have been among the leading authors in their chosen fields. However, in 2007 their respective leading men had to retire for differing reasons.

Harry Potter finally overcame the forces of evil, while at the age of 60, DI Rebus had to retire from the police.

But since then both authors have dropped hints that they could possibly revive their heroes should the creative juices start flowing again.

Given that they are friends and close neighbours in Edinburgh, it struck me that they could have a collaboration in which Harry Potter and DI Rebus team up.

Possible titles for such an enterprise might be Harry Potter joins the Flying Squad, or Rebus and the Great Quiddich Doping Scandal.

Either way, let's hope we haven't seen the last of Harry Potter and Rebus.

Martin Birtle, Billingham.