Real Harry Potter sells first edition of Philosopher's Stone

A rare first edition of a Harry Potter novel has been sold for £27,500 - by Harry Potter.

He was given Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone by his "flabbergasted" father in 1997, when he realised it was about a wizard with his son's name.

The sale of the hardback from the initial print run of 500, has been described as "emotional and magical".

The novel sold at auction to a private buyer.

Mr Potter, from Waterlooville in Hampshire, was just eight when the first in the series of JK Rowling's blockbuster novels came out.

The 33-year-old said his family decided to sell the book to honour his late father, David, who died from cancer in 2017.

His sister, Katie Sign said: "I remember Dad bursting through the front door after work brandishing a book, proclaiming 'you'll never believe what I've got!'.

"At first glance we were confused. Had someone written a book for Harry?

"The novelty and coincidence of the namesake was what made us open that first book but the magic of the story kept us turning the pages for years and years," she added.

The hardback copy, one of only 500 in the first print run, includes a number of misprints including the word "wand" appearing twice on page 53 and "Philosopher's" misspelled on the rear cover.

It was sold to a private UK buyer at Hansons Auctions in Etwall, Derbyshire.

Auctioneer Charles Hanson the sale was "very emotional and magical".

"The providence is unique - it's an honour to sell Harry Potter's Harry Potter."

Mr Potter said he has spent the time since the book first came out having to convince people Harry Potter really is his name.

"People just don't believe me. When I was a young footballer, a referee threatened me with a red card for saying my name was Harry Potter," he said.

"When I met my wife, Philippa on holiday in Greece, she didn't believe me either."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].