Family's brooms for Harry Potter

The Nash family's handmade Besom brooms in their yard

A 300-year-old family-run broomstick business is set to take off worldwide after their brooms were chosen to appear in the fourth Harry Potter film.

The Nash family in Tadley, Hampshire, are bracing themselves for global success once their Besom brooms feature in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Buyers for the movie who spotted the firm on the internet have snapped up more than 80 of their sticks.

The traditional business was managed by Arthur Nash, 65, who died this year.

By Royal Appointment

His wife, Sue Nash, 59, keeps his dream alive with the help of their son Bradley, 34, daughter, Amanda, 37, and her husband, Andy Taylor, 38.

A delighted Sue told BBC News Online: "I am absolutely thrilled.

"Arthur would have been so pleased - he was not very impressed with the brooms they used in the other (Harry Potter) films.

"He wanted to keep the business alive for his grandparents' sake because they did not get any recognition.

"He received the Royal Warrant in 1999 and this is just the icing on the cake."

Arthur cut birch for his father but did not make his first broom until he was 18. At his peak, he was able to produce up to 100 brooms a day.

The late Arthur Nash at work

But the demand for birch brooms died out in the 60s - the firm is busy in autumn and spring and has a steady stream of orders throughout each year.

Out of the blue, Mrs Nash received a telephone call from Tamazin Simmonds - the assistant buyer for the film - enquiring about the handmade hazel and birch brooms.

She found their long-standing business, which is based in the yard of Arthur and Sue's home, while searching on the internet.

In every sense, a family affair, Amanda helps pick the birch from nearby woodland, while Arthur's Brother Robert and his wife Marilyn are involved in the cutting.

Son-in-law Andy, who also lives next door to Mrs Nash, makes the brooms with Arthur's tree surgeon son.

The father-of-three said: "It is a bit bewildering at the moment. We are waiting to see what happens after the film is out.

"However, there are seven grandchildren in the family and they are very excited and proud, telling all their friends in school."