HUNDREDS of children in Bolton are rejoicing after smashing a world record.

Pupils from 11 Primary Schools made the journey to Smithills Hall this morning, dressed in attire from the world-famous Harry Potter.

The record attempt was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of the first book written by JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

British publishers Bloomsbury instigated the attempt, which was to try and be ‘the largest gathering of people dressed as Harry Potter.’ After the numbers were officially counted by the Guinness World Record adjudicator, the final total was announced as 676.

The previous record of 521, which stood since March 5, 2015, was held by Tanbridge House School in Horsham, West Sussex.

For the record to stand, each pupil had to be wearing a Gryffindor tie and glasses and have a wand in their hand and a scar on their forehead.

They then all had to stand in class order for five minutes before officially breaking the record.

Anne Burns of Bolton Council’s Libraries and Museums Service, who organised the event, said: “I am so happy and can’t stop smiling.

“I knew that we had around 600 children supposed to be coming but the final number we had was brilliant.

“I wasn’t sure how much the staff would get involved but they were really into it too.

“It is so hard to break a record because Guinness don’t make it easy. There are lots of stipulations you must adhere to.”

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Youth and Sport, said: “The logistics were fantastic. All the equipment was waiting for the children so it was very orderly.

“The children were brilliant though too because they had to be patient while they waited.

“I would like to thank Bloomsbury and Guinness World Records for coming to Bolton.

“They absolutely smashed the record in the end.

“It’s great for the town. Young people enjoying themselves it what it’s all about and everybody has had such a great time today.”

All in all, pupils from All Saints CE Primary School, Blackrod Church School; Claypool Primary School, Ladybridge Primary School, Ladywood School and Outreach Service, Pikes Lane Primary School, SS Peter and St Paul, St George's CE Primary School, St Gregory's RC Primary School, St John the Evangelist RC Primary School and St Peters Smithills Dean CE Primary School all took part.

“The fact that a book can bring so many people together like this is just fantastic,” added Cllr Byrne.

Daniel, aged 5, Pikes Lane Primary School, said that waiting around in the rain was all worthwhile.

He said: “I feel very good that we broke the record. I like Harry Potter anyway so the rain was alright.”

Arianne, aged 11, a pupil at St Peters CE School, said: “I am really happy because something like this has never happened to me before.

“I didn’t know how many schools were coming so I didn’t know if we would do it or not.

“Harry Potter is my favourite book so it is a good day.”

Aaron, aged 9, from Blackrod Church School said that he was going to ask his parents to buy the Guinness Book of World Records to see if it was inside.

He said: “I love Harry Potter so if our record goes in then I will be able to keep that for ever.

Ian Lamb, Head of Media at Bloomsbury, said: “Today exceeded all expectations.

“We of course wanted to break a record for the 20th anniversary of the first book and we wanted to involve kids but we did not expect that the record would be broken so easily.

“I would like to thank Anne Burns for getting all of the schools together and delegating it all because it would not have happened without her.”

The official anniversary of the books first release is on Monday with numerous other events happening around the country to celebrate.

For more information, visit www.harrypotter.bloomsbury.com/uk/harrypotter20/