HARRY Potter fans could find themselves in the record books - after a marathon back to back reading of the hugely popular children's books.

Around 200 adults and children took part in the uninterrupted reading of all four Potter books in Otley at the weekend.

And now it looks like the charity event, which it is hoped will eventually raise £4,000 for breast cancer relief, will win a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

Organiser Sue Robins, of East View Terrace, Otley, is also hoping to get Potter creator J K Rowling to sign the books used for the reading ahead of them being auctioned off to raise more money.

Mrs Robins said: "I contacted the Guinness Book of Records and it seems as if it is the first time it has been done, I now have to apply to get it put in.

"There'll probably then be others trying to do it more quickly."

The readings of all four books - The Philosopher's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire, kicked off at 9am on Friday in a specially put up marquee outside The Bowling Green pub in Bondgate.

Otley Bellman Paddy Steval was first on the podium with a 20 minute reading with Sue Robins reading the last lines of the Goblet of Fire exactly 49 hours, 41 minutes and 13 seconds later at just after 10.30am on Sunday.

During the weekend, the event was reported on Yorkshire Television's Calendar News, on BBC Radio Leeds, on television's GMTV and it also made children's television's Newsround.

Mrs Robins, who wanted to raise money for breast cancer relief after having a mastectomy 14 years ago and also to mark her 50th birthday, said she was delighted with the way the event went.

"There was a lovely atmosphere, outside the Bowling Green was just the best place to do it. I've told Trevor (Bowling Green landlord) he should hold weddings there."

She had estimated the readings would take more than 50 hours - based on the length of time it had taken actor Stephen Fry to read the recorded versions of the books.

But in the end, it look more than 20 minutes less and at one point she thought they might finish in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Schoolchildren, from All Saints Junior School, St Josephs, The Whartons, Prince Henry's Grammar, Bramhope Primary and Ashfield Infants all took part.

The youngest reader was just six years old and the oldest was 79-year-old retired vicar, Rusty Griffiths, who did his reading in a long black cloak.

"The sixth formers from Prince Henrys were tremendous and helped out throughout the night.

"One lad even brought his sleeping bag along and slept in the tent," said Mrs Robins.

Others taking part included members of Otley Reading Club, three town councillors, including the Mayor, Councillor Phil Coyne, and members of Otley Community Players - fresh from their success with The Tempest at The Black Horse.

"On Saturday night there were people juggling about with their accents and really putting great facial expressions into the readings, " she added.

Able support was provided throughout the weekend by other members of the Robins family, husband Pete, and brother Bill Gerrard, with Anne Marks co-ordinating all the cake cooking.

And champion fundraiser Linda Nicholson managed to collect £125 by going round Otley pubs.

Judith Wallis, landlady of The Bowling Green, customised an old priests robes for her husband, Trevor Wallis to wear.

"He likes to look inconspicuous, so I got these old priests' robes and tried to make them look a bit wizardy.

"It was really well organised and everyone was well behaved, there was a lovely atmosphere and there always seemed to be people listening to the readings.

"I think they did marvellously, we were very happy to help out."

Town councillor John Eveleigh said: "It was the first time I'd ever read any of the Harry Potter books, although my family are always on at me to.

"I read for about 20 minutes and was happy to support the cause. It seemed an excellent initiative and brought everyone together. The tent was full on Saturday morning and there was a wonderful atmosphere, my congratulations to Sue Robins."

Lucy Ashworth, of Orchard Street, Otley, read for 20 minutes at 1am on Sunday morning on her way back from work at First Direct in Leeds.

A keen Potter fan, whose favourite book is the Goblet of Fire, she had worked out where she thought the reading would have got.

"As it turned out, I had worked it out correctly and had actually read the right chapter the night before so it was all fresh in my mind.

"I really enjoyed it, even though I'd got a streaming cold and my throat was really sore.

"My colleagues at work were really generous as well, they collected more than £30 for me."

Corinne Latham, acting deputy head teacher at All Saints Juniors School, said 36 children and staff from the school took part in the readings.

"They're year six, ten and 11 year olds and were all really keen to take part. Some even wanted to do it twice," she said.

Sylvia Reid, of Manor Books and Music, donated two of the books for the reading. She said: "I didn't actually take part in the reading, but I did drop in during my lunchtime on Saturday and it was certainly well attended."

Chris Williams, 29, of Otley, was there to see the last few minutes of the reading. He said: "I thought it was a wonderful idea to raise money, everyone seemed to have a really good time."

Meanwhile, Mrs Robins said the event had also raised the profile of breast cancer.

"A lot of women who've had mastectomies have trouble coming to terms with it," she said.

She is now hoping all the money promised in sponsorship will come in as quickly as possible.

Donations can be made by telephoning Sue Robins on (01943) 465305 or at Barclays Bank, Otley account number 00857076.