A village church is hoping to fill the pews - via the Hogwarts Express.

JK Rowling's Harry Potter novels, about a boy who goes to a school for wizards, have inspired themed services at Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church.

They include dramatised readings, with children and other church members dressed as Harry Potter characters, plus visual aids, and quizzes.

The services will be conducted by Michael Hard-staffe, a church member and preacher who believes that many of the ideas in the Harry Potterbooks are similar to those in the Bible.

"I've always been interested in literature, particularly children's literature, and having read all the Harry Potter books I realised that a lot of the themes are linked with Christianity," said Michael.

"The scar on Harry's forehead symbolises the love of his mother protecting him from evil.

"The book it says his mother died to save him, something which evil forces don't understand. This is similar to the love of Christ.

"And the themes of sacrifice, love and friendship are all similar to those in the Bible."

The first service, on Sunday at 10.30am, will be based on the first Harry Potter novel, The Philosopher's Stone.

Michael will talk about the book and use a lump of stone and a piece of gold to illustrate themes of alchemy.

The second service, on Sunday, February 16 at 6pm, features The Chamber of Secrets, Rowling's second book in the Harry Potter series, currently on release as a blockbuster movie.

JK Rowling has come under fire from some churches claiming the books promote Satanic rituals of witchcraft and wizardry, themes condemned by the Bible.

But Michael disagrees. "I don't believe they lead children to dabble with witchcraft," he said.

"We should give children more credit, they're very capable of realising this as a work of fiction."

Michael will be helped by church member Angus MacIntosh, as Dumbledore; and youngsters Christopher Bradley as Harry; Andrew Parker as Weasley, and Stephanie Bradley as Hermione.

This is not the first time Michael has used themes. Last year he basedservices on Coronation Street and East-Enders.