Children from Brighton were among the first in the country to experience the magic of the Harry Potter computer game.

Brighton-based PR agency Weston.com took 20 children to see the first previews of the game at the UK launch in London last week. The game is set to be released on the same day as the film, November 16.

The launch was held in Victorian buildings at the Chelsea Physic Garden. The venue was decked out to look like Professor Sprout's Herbology classroom at Harry's famous Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The guests were invited to take their places at desks among rambling vines and exotic foliage to see clips from the game.

Hannah Rignell, 13, a pupil at Brighton and Hove High School, said: "At first I thought the game might not be a good idea because it might take something away from the books but it was brilliant. We answered questions about the story for rewards such as chocolate frogs but the big reward was to be shown clips from the game.

"Every single thing was just how I imagined it from the books, especially the way Diagon Alley looked."

The game is expected to be a huge success as Potter-mania takes hold when the film reaches cinemas later this month. Like the film, it is based on the first of JK Rowlings' children's books, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Ms Rowlings was involved in the planning of the game, which culminates in a series of challenges played out by the lead characters.

The developer, Electronic Arts, has added puzzles to provide more intrigue for those who already know the ending.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will be available for PlayStation, GameBoy Advance, GameBoy Colour and PC.

www.harrypotter.com
www.ea.com