Harry Potter: the verdicts

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone was hailed as a magical masterpiece by the children who crammed Leicester Square for last night's world premiere. The verdict was unanimous - the movie is a guaranteed smash hit.

Matilda Glen, 8, said: "I've read all of the books and I thought that the film was even better. I'm coming back to see it again as soon as possible.?

Emma Makinson, 11, had come with her friend Charlotte Amey, and said: "I've read all the books but I still found it terrifying. I was clutching on to Charlotte through all the frightening bits."

Asked who his favourite character had been, six-year-old James Segal had no doubts. "Definitely Harry Potter," he said.

Victoria Williams-Gray, 11, arrived with her friend Fay from pop band Steps, and said: "I thought it was better than the books because we could see the amazing pictures. I'm coming back to see it again."

Six-year-old Oliver Monckton reassured parents everywhere by saying: "I didn't get bored, even though it was very long."

Christian Hollingworth, five, who has never read the books, had become a confirmed fan by the end of the film. He said: "My favourite character was Harry himself."

Similarly impressed were his sisters Natasha, 8, and Anna, 10. Anna Hollingworth said: "My favourite character was Harry too. He's far more exciting than any of the characters I've read about in other books." Emily Smith, 10, said: "That was just as good as any of the books and I've read them all. My favourite character was Hermione."

All the children who saw the film had their favourite characters and their favourite scenes. But not all the fans could get into the cinema.

Sara Sturges-Yebernetsky, who celebrates her 11th birthday today, had been waiting outside in the cold for four hours for the stars to arrive. She said: "Hermione is my favourite character. She's supposed to be bossy but I like her anyway." She added: "I'm a big fan because you can never put the books down once you've picked them up. We're going to go and see the film as a late birthday present later this month.''

The premiere was packed with celebrities, many of whom also applauded the film.

Cliff Richard, 61, arrived with his young nephew, Philip, and declared it to be "an absolutely wonderful and magical film".

Philip added: "The film is a lot scarier than the book - though I did think that Voldemort wasn't that scary." Other guests included All Saints star Natalie Appleton, who arrived with her nine-year-old daughter Rachel - herself the child star of the film Tomb Raider in which she played the young Lara Croft.

Rachel said of Harry Potter: "It was brilliant - but quite scary. The best bit was Lord Voldemort." She added: "It was quite long though."

Singer and actress Cher, 55, said: "The film was really great. It certainly wasn't a disappointment in any way." Model Sophie Dahl agreed that "It was a great movie".

The Duchess of York, 42 - who brought her two daughters - Princesses Beatrice, 13, and Eugene, 11 - said: "It was absolutely brilliant. We all loved it - the girls especially. It went wonderfully. I am so pleased, everyone seems to love it."

Of course, there were some children at the premiere who had already seen a lot of the film. Emma Watson, 11, who played Hermione Granger, said "I'm really happy with the film. In the cinema, everyone was clapping and I was so scared and nervous. But I am really proud of the end result."

The 12-year-old star of the film, Daniel Radcliffe, who arrived without his character's trademark spectacles, said: "I am almost numb with nerves and that has never happened before. It's surreal to have everyone shouting my name. But everybody on the set and everybody here has made it feel so easy for me".

Other cast members who attended the premiere include Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters.

JK Rowling, 36, said: "It all went wonderfully well. I am so relived and happy. The all-British cast was a fantastic asset."