Childline braced for Potter calls

ChildLine said young readers could feel "upset, angry and afraid"

Childline is preparing for a deluge of calls from Harry Potter fans after the final book in the series goes on sale.

The phone counselling service has asked its volunteers to work extra shifts with the death of a key character expected to cause a surge in demand.

Childline's Kate Tench said Harry Potter had become a "major part" of the childhood of many children.

Meanwhile, author JK Rowling has hit out at US newspapers which revealed plot details.

Ms Tench said: "Death and loss of any kind can make children feel upset, angry and afraid.

"The story could bring back unhappy memories for children who have lost friends, relatives or pets."

Bookshop chain Waterstones has said it is making a donation to the service ahead of Saturday's publication of the new title, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Childline received a "significant number" of calls from children after the split of boy band Take That.