ADVANCED sales for the second Harry Potter film are smashing records at Bolton's two cinemas.

UGC in Astley Bridge and Warner Village Cinemas in Horwich said the film has had the biggest box office advance sales this year with many of the special preview screenings this weekend already sold out.

The movie, which is on general release next week, will be shown as regularly as every half-hour on six screens in Bolton this weekend-- four of which are at UGC.

The film will be screened seven times today at UGC,15 times tomorrow and 14 times on Sunday.

Manager Richard Regan, aged 27, said: "We've never had a more popular film in the time UGC has been open. Loads of people have telephoned and dropped in to buy tickets.

"It's been incredibly busy and with James Bond and the next Lord of the Rings due out soon, it's going to be a far better Christmas than even last year when it really was hectic."

Harry Potter mania has reached a Bolton secondary school.

Pupils at Withins School in Breightmet have been taking part in a Harry Potter quiz.

So many teachers also proved to be devoted fans of the stories, that they also joined in the fun of the quiz and earned a few points for the youngsters.

Winning pupils got tickets for one of the preview screenings and runners up were offered subsidised tickets.

The latest instalment in the saga, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, is surpassing the clamour for last year's Potter movie which saw cinemas packed for weeks.

The film is based on the popular children's series by author JK Rowling and, according to those who have seen it, the latest movie is the best yet. Warner Village supervisor Alex Kirkman, aged 20, said: "It's absolutely amazing with some wonderful special effects."

ARE you Bolton's biggest Harry Potter fan with a room full of videos, posters and souvenirs? Or are you a Harry Potter lookalike? Maybe your real name IS Harry Potter? Contact the newsdesk with your stories on 01204 537270 or e-mail bennewsdesk@boltoneveningnews.co.uk.