Devil of a row!

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has played to full houses since opening at the weekend and cast its spell in cinemas across East Lancashire.

But one of the biggest teaching unions has warned parents about the dangers of allowing youngsters to glimpse the world of the occult.

Today, however, a Blackburn-based leader of a rival union commented: "They're talking a load of hokum."

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, refused to condemn the young wizard, created by author JK Rowling, and said her books and the film could help create a healthy debate about good and evil.

The Association Teachers and Lecturers, which has members in schools and colleges throughout East Lancashire, has said children needed protection from the "extreme influences of the occult" and should be aware of the possible dangers of journeying into the unknown.

Association general secretary Peter Smith said: "Children must be protected from the most extreme influences of the occult and be taught in a responsible and positive way the risks of journeying into the unknown.

"The premiere of Harry Potter the movie will lead to a whole new generation of youngsters discovering witchcraft and wizardry."

But Simon Jones, divisional secretary of the Blackburn with Darwen branch of the National Union of Teachers said: "The remarks are plain stupid. They are just being kill-joys.

"In particular Harry Potter has introduced boys to reading, which must be a good thing."

A spokesman for the Bishop of Blackburn said: "Christians are advised in the Bible not to dabble in occult practices, so concerns expressed by the association are understandable.

"Yet the Harry Potter stories can also be used to encourage helpful discussions in schools and homes on the nature of good and evil."

A spokesman for the Department of Education said teachers could be relied on to use their common sense in dealing with the Harry Potter phenomenon.

A local spokesman for the ATL was not available for comment.