HARRY POTTER books have been banned from a school library over concerns they include witchcraft themes.

Staff at the £20m King's Academy school, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, felt some of the themes were unsuitable for pupils.

Although youngsters are still allowed to take their own copies of the books to school to read, they will not be able to find the adventures in the library.

It is believed headteacher Nigel McQuoid took the decision after discussions involving librarians and teaching staff before the school opened in September.

Mr McQuoid said: "The King's Academy policy on the books it stocks is that it seeks agreement among its staff on certain titles, and we have plenty of scope to stock books on which they do agree."

Parents said that pupils had also been forbidden to write about Harry's adventures when they were given assignments to write about their favourite books and stories.

One said: "The kids were told Harry Potter was not a candidate because of its witchcraft theme, which is a bit over the top because of the huge success of the books.

"If a child wants to go and read one of the books, they just need to walk into WHSmith.

"It is not a case of having to obtain the books on the black market.

"The books are everywhere, while you can see Harry Potter at the cinema and on the television."

King's Academy is supported by the Reg Vardy Foundation, headed by garage owner Sir Peter Vardy, a Christian fundamentalist.

The move to ban Harry Potter has, however, not been backed by religious groups.

The Reverend Mike Proctor, minister for the nearby St Mark's Local Ecumenical Partnership, said he read Harry Potter books to his son.

He said: "I think the books are particularly well written and are very interesting."

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: "We have to stress that this school is independent of the local education authority. What goes into a school's library is a matter for the headmaster."

A spokeswomen for the Department for Education and Skills said: "The situation is as long as this academy is following the national curriculum, it is up to the school whether they want to do this or not."