POTTERMANIA is sweeping the region, with cinema bosses staging special preview showings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

The film, the first in a planned series of seven, did not disappoint those lucky enough to see the JK Rowling story transferred to the big screen.

Two young Potter fans were among the first select few to see the film, after getting top marks in The Northern Echo's quiz.

Sisters Lauren and Kirsten Barningham, from Holme-on-Swale, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, both answered 50 questions out of 50 correct in the quiz to earn their seats.

It was nine-year-old Lauren's name that was drawn out of the magic hat to take first prize, a family cinema ticket for one of the preview showings at the ABC cinema in Darlington, plus £40 worth of books from Ottakers.

"They loved the film," said their mother, Sue, who went to the cinema with Lauren, six-year-old Kirsten, and their father, Richard.

"They have both been collecting different books and the cards and they both want Harry Potter things for Christmas," she said.

"Lauren got the first book when it came out and she's read them all."

Lauren tells her little sister all about them and the pair play games involving characters from the books.

The family visited Ottakers, in Darlington, to collect their prize before going on to the ABC for the viewing.

Meanwhile, sisters Rosie and Helen Webber, of Langholm Crescent, Darlington, who travelled to Teesside's Showcase Cinema, gave glowing reviews of the film to The Northern Echo.

Rosie, ten, said: "I thought it was brilliant and if my mum and dad gave me more pocket money I would go again straight away.

"The film was exactly how you imagine it when you read the book."

Helen, seven, said: "It was class! I would say to all my friends to go and see it - but most are going to go anyway."