HARRY POTTER fever returned yesterday as fans gathered for the world premiere of the latest film about the schoolboy wizard.

Scores of youngsters flocked to London's Leicester Square to catch a glimpse of cast member as they arrived to watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - scenes of which were filmed at Durham Cathedral and Alnwick Castle, Northumberland.

But the opening was tinged with sadness following the death of Richard Harris, who starred as Professor Albus Dumbledore, head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

In the latest tale, Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, confronts a sinister force which is terrorising his school. The bespectacled hero is aided by his dependable friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger - played by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

The film also stars Richard Griffiths, from Thornaby, Teesside, who plays Harry's uncle.

Based on the second of JK Rowling's hit books, the movie follows last year's blockbuster, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The movie, which goes on release on November 15, is already being eagerly awaited in the region.

Steven Allison, manager of UCI Cinemas in Gateshead's MetroCentre, said: "Advanced ticket sales are going very well, some showings have already sold out."

And a spokesman for UCG Cinema in Middlesbrough, which will show the film on four of its 11 screens, said: "Advanced sales are going extremely well. We've sold lots for the opening weekend. Only the first Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films aroused so much interest."