Potter's magic boost for Hornby

HORNBY'S Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train set and its collector's locomotive are flying off the shelves as the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone opens today in 3,500 cinemas nationwides.

Costing £90 for the child's version and up to £150 for the adult version with gold-plated wheels the models look set to become the 'must have' items this Christmas.

Another possible moneyspinner, the world's largest model railway track, to be built at Hornby's new heritage centre in Margate, has been granted planning permission.

In the six months to September pre-tax profits at Hornby increased 52% to pound;794,000 but the interim dividend is unchanged at 2p.

Hornby shares drove ahead 7% to 287p, an 18p gain.