Harry Potter theme park to open in US

A theme park inspired by the Harry Potter series is to open in the US in 2009.

The park, to be named The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will open at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.

The attraction will feature rides from locations in the books and films such as Hogwarts and Hogsmeade.

Potter author J K Rowling told the BBC: "The plans I've seen look incredibly exciting, and I don't think fans of the books or films will be disappointed."

The man leading the creative design for the park, Stuart Craig, said: "Our primary goal is to make sure this experience is an authentic extension of Harry Potter's world as it is portrayed in the books and films."