POTTERMANIA continues to sweep the region with both adults and children alike flocking to cinemas to witness the wizard film sensation.

Cinema bosses staged extra showings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone such was the demand over the weekend.

And the film, the first in a planned series of seven, didn't 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.

But it was nine-year-old Lauren who 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 mum Sue, who went to the cinema with Lauren, six-year-old Kirsten, and their dad, Richard.

"They have both been collecting different books and the cards and they both want Harry Potter things for Christmas," she said, adding that seeing the film had only made this thirst stronger.

"Lauren got the first book when it came out and she's read them all, whereas Kirsten, the youngest one, we've read the first one with her but she's more into them because Lauren tells her things and they will play games with the 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, aged 10, said: ""I thought is was brilliant and if my mam and dad gave me more pocket money I would go again straight away. I liked that most of the film was exactly how you imagine it when you read the book. I can't wait until the next film."

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