LOCAL magic and folklore is being explored in a new exhibition themed around the boy wizard - Harry Potter.

Launched recently at Cleckheaton Library, 'Harry Potter: History of Magic' is in association with the British Library in London to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the publication of 'Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone' - J K Rowling's debut novel in the Harry Potter series.

Marie Bray, customer services manager for Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike libraries explains: "We got involved because of the local connection to magic and folklore in Kirklees."

Working with librarians from the Local Studies Library, information on subjects such as folklore, ghosts, legends and witchcraft taken from various sources of material such as books, newspapers and maps, has been incorporated into the exhibition which runs until March 31.

The library is hosting a programme of events running alongside the exhibition including crafts, film screenings, theatre and magic.

Says Marie: "I think it is important to engage with people and show that libraries are still running, that we do have a lot to offer as well as celebrating this wonderful work that J K Rowling has done."

For more information visit ticketsource.co.uk/kirkleeslibraries. You can also follow the events on social media: Twitter @KirkleesLibrary; Facebook @kirkleeslibraries and Instagram @kirkleeslibraries