HARRY Potter fans were given a wizard time when they let the train take the strain through the heart of North Yorkshire.

In the film Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone, Goathland Station on the North York Moors was transformed into Hogsmeade, the final stop for the Hogwarts Express in JK Rowling’s hugely popular children’s books.

Yesterday, visitors to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) were given the chance to relive the experience by boarding the Hogwarts Story Train. Departing from Pickering with characters from the Harry Potter books – gamekeeper Hagrid, and one of the wizarding school’s prefects, Harrietta Frog – on board, the train stopped off at Grosmont and then Goathland - or Hogsmeade - for fun and games at the Goathland Hotel, and finally Levisham for trackside storytelling.

Danielle Ramsay, of the NYMR, said: “This story train is the highlight of the summer for any Harry Potter fan, as they will not only got to step off the train on the same platform as the young wizard as he disembarked for his first year at the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry, but they also met our very own gentle giant, Hagrid”.

The Harry Potter day is the second of six story trains travelling up and down the track this summer.

Next Friday, there is a pirate-themed day, on August 16, a nursery rhyme themed day, on August 23 a Hobbit themed day and on August 30, fairies.

The story trains leave Pickering at 10am every Friday.

Tickets for the return trip cost £19.50 for adults and £10 for children, with a family ticket for two adults and up to four children, costing £39.

For more information, phone 01751 472508 or visit nymr.co.uk