WITCHES and wizards spooked shoppers in Durham over the weekend.

The Gates Shopping Centre hosted a Harry Potter event yesterday to celebrate the launch of the new film.

Children were encouraged to visit in fancy dress with a prize for the best dressed child of VIP family tickets to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday at the Gala Theatre in Durham.

Professional magician Martin Duffy provided entertainment in the form of a Harry Potter magic show.

There was also a face-painter on hand to create fun facial designs.

Inge Johnson, centre manager for The Gates said: “As the excitement grows in anticipation for the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, we were delighted to host this theme day which I’m was a big hit with children and even adults visiting the Centre, since many of us are big Harry Potter fans.”