MORE than 350 witches, wizards and muggles of all ages gathered on Thursday to celebrate the fourth annual Harry Potter Book Night.

The evening, at Haydock Library, saw visitors arrive through Platform 9 ¾ before being sorted into their Hogwarts Houses by the libraries own Sorting Hat.

Children were then treated to an evening of crafts and activities including Quidditch and Harry Potter bingo, with Merseyside Police community support officers joining in the fun.

To tie into the this year’s theme of ‘Fantastic Beasts’, there was also a ‘magical menagerie’ courtesy of local company, Dylan’s Reptiles.

The best dressed of the Fancy dress competition was Grange Valley Primary School pupil Rowan who won an illustrated edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them.

St Helens Council’s cabinet member for libraries, Cllr Sue Murphy said: “Harry Potter Book Night events run by our library service have gone from strength-to-strength each year, and it’s wonderful to hear that this year’s was no different, with so many people coming out to show their support by getting involved.”

For more information on events in libraries across the borough, follow St Helens libraries service on social media.