Harry Potter author joins Who's Who

Harry Potter author JK Rowling makes her debut

Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has capped an extraordinary year by being named in the prestigious Who's Who directory for the first time.

The Harry Potter series has made the 34-year-old single mother a multi-millionaire and her creation a cultural icon for children all over the world.

It is believed the name Harry has entered the top 10 names in Britain because of the huge popularity of her books.

The writer, who began her literary career just four years ago, had an annual income of more than £20m in 1999, making her Britain's top earning woman, according to The Mail on Sunday.

Chris Tarrant makes the line-up

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first of her four books, is currently being made into a film and the author is expected to receive her OBE from the Queen in February.

Another hugely successful author Louis de Bernieres, who wrote Captain Corelli's Mandolin, debuts in Who's Who 2001.

They join Who Wants to be a Millionaire presenter Chris Tarrant and world heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis.

The traditional directory of elite people also includes for the first time James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, British paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, actor Richard E Grant and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

So does Pierce Brosnan

News of the World editor Rebekah Wade, whose summer campaign to "name and shame" convicted paedophiles generated huge controversy, is also a new entrant.

Who's Who lists more than 30,000 influential people from all walks of life including the arts, business, religion, civil service, education, entertainment, sport, government, law, media, medicine, science and trade unions.

Each entry lists biographical details, educational attainment, professional accomplishments, club membership and, sometimes, the entrant's idiosyncratic hobbies.