Schoolboy Nicholas Ormondroyd could soon find himself reading the long-awaited new Harry Potter book in Hogwarts Castle itself.

The eight-year-old of Fairthorne, Shrivenham, showed he's no muggle head when he won the Chippenham round of a national quiz based on magical fiction.

He is now anxiously waiting to hear whether he is one of 30 children picked out in a draw of the 121 regional winners' names to scoop a trip to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland on the day the fifth Harry Potter book is released.

On the stroke of midnight on June 21, the winners will be given copies of JK Rowling's latest book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, to read in the castle.

Nicholas' mum Jane Ormondroyd, 47, said her son is a real bookworm. "He loves reading and adores the Harry Potter books."

The youngster got himself in with a chance of winning the trip to Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland, after entering the quiz run by the bookshop chain Ottakar's at its Chippenham branch.

"They asked the children about 30 questions all about children's books with the theme of magic, and Nicholas got the highest score," said Mrs Ormondroyd.

"I think he did very well, as the ages ranged from eight to 14, and Nicholas is only eight."

She added: "He is very excited to be possibly going up to Alnwick."

Nicholas, who goes to Southfield Junior School, Shrivenham, will hear within the next few days if he's won.