Harry Potter boost for charities

Charities close to the heart of author JK Rowling are to benefit from gala screenings of the movie Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.

The two events will take place early next month, just days after the royal premiere of the eagerly-awaited film.

The National Council for One Parent Families (NCOPF) - of which Rowling is ambassador - will benefit from a London gala screening on November 7.

Invited guests include former All Saints star Natalie Appleton, actor Neil Morrissey, Fast Show comic Charlie Higson and a host of writers.

Cash from ticket sales go towards the One Parent Families Magic Million Appeal, aiming to raise £1 million to boost its work.

A day earlier there will be a screening in Edinburgh helping out two Scottish charities, The MS Society Scotland and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre.

Rowling said: "I'm delighted that Warner Brothers have granted gala screenings to these three charities, as they are all close to my heart, and deserve a higher profile."