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MAGIC PREMIERE FOR CHRIS RANKIN

Thousands of fans gathered in Leicester Square for the world premiere of one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Among the stars signing autographs for devoted Harry Potter fans was Norfolk's very own Chris Rankin, who plays prefect Percy Weasley, older brother to Harry's best friend Ron.

Seventeen-year-old Chris, who comes from Dereham and is a pupil at Northgate High School, said the premiere was "mind-blowing - an experience never to forget!".

After being escorted along the line of paparazzi, he was intervieved by press from around the world.

"Then we signed authorgaphs and eventually made it through the doors of the cinema," he said.

Chris, who hopes the role will kick-start a career in film, auditioned last year after seeing a report on BBC's Newsround. As many as 35,000 hopefuls attended the auditions and, after an agonising wait, Chris was offered the part of Percy Weasley.

Magical experience
An excited Chris explained how he was amazed to get the part, and was initially overwhelmed to work with such prestigious actors:

"To start with, when I walked in for the first time, my jaw dropped about seven foot at the sight of possibly every single member of the Hollywood 'A' list who lives in Britain," he said.

Chris Rankin plays Percy Weasley

"Working with them was nothing like what I expected, because they are just normal, very nice, friendly people who are incredibly good at what they do."

Chris said he got on well with all the cast and still keeps in touch with Julie Walters who plays Mrs Weasley, Percy's mother.

As well as actor Chris Rankin, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has many other links with Norfolk.

These include owl trainer Jo Vaughan who works at Pleasure Hills in Yarmouth and Jimmy Kiddle, from Norwich who works in visual effects at The Mill, the company that won an Oscar for their work on the film Gladiator.

Film remains true to book
Author JK Rowling has topped both the adult and children's best sellers list with her tales of Harry, and has been lauded for renewing a passion for books among the nation's children.

Chris is quick to allay the fears of some fans who are worried that the magic of the books will be lost in the translation to the big screen.

"Obviously there's always going to be a difference between what you read and what you see, everyone has their own imagery of what they imagine Hogwart and the cast to look like.

"I think we've done our best to make it as close to the book as possible, and JK Rowling had a huge say in what happens," he added.

The film is released on November 16.

Article taken from BBC Norfolk.