WHAT'S this? A celebrity being jostled by adoring young fans, desperate to touch their hero.

People queuing throughout the night for her latest release. These scenes are reminiscent of Beatlemania, yet they are inspired by the author of a children's book.

J K Rowling and her Harry Potter books add up to a remarkable phenomenon, all the more so in this Internet-dominated, multi-media age.

Her unprecedented success has ensured that a generation have discovered the power of their own imagination. That is a wonderful achievement.