£7,340 Potter boost for charity

The collection was sold at auction in Salisbury

Three rare signed copies of J K Rowling's best-selling Harry Potter books went under the hammer on Wednesday.

The books - all first editions - were donated by author and broadcaster Simon Singh with proceeds from the sale going to two charities - BBC Children in Need and Actionaid.

Book expert Bill Hoade of Salisbury said in an age when many sellers were keen to make a profit, it was refreshing to witness such generosity.

Salisbury-based auctioneers Woolley and Wallis sold Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for £6,600.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets fetched £500 and Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire was sold for £240.

A rare edition of a Harry Potter book sold for £13,500 at a Wiltshire auction earlier in February.