Kettering brothers' Harry Potter entry in finals for World Book Day competition

A pair of Kettering brothers have been shortlisted to win the big prize in a World Book Day competition with their recreation of a scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Eight-year-old Max and his brother Leo, six, decorated their fireplace to double for Privet Drive when Harry Potter receives multiple letters from Professor Dumbledore.

Max and Joe's mum Rachael helped them enter the contest with their scene when Harry receives his magic letters telling him of his acceptance to Hogwarts sent spewing down the chimney much to his ghastly Uncle Vernon’s annoyance.

Organised for World Book Day 2021 (March 4), an annual event which is set to look a little different for families this year, the competition organised by e-tailer Bargain Max gives children a chance to get creative.

A spokesman for Bargain Max said: "We have been overwhelmed by the quality of entries into our national competition, there have been some amazing entries.

"Thank you to everyone who entered, we really enjoyed seeing your book inspired creations.

"We hope this has got children excited for World Book Day and that it brought families a bit of fun through this lockdown.”

The competition asked children across the UK to create a heroic fictitious character from their favourite book using arts and crafts materials found at home and saw a number of entries from all across the UK, with parents entering their children’s homemade creations via Facebook and Instagram.

The spokesman added: "This is an event where everyone and anyone can immerse themselves in the world of books, and get children in the spirit."

The overall winners will be announced on Friday (February 26) with Max and Leo hoping to win the first prize worth £100, with stiff opposition from other famous book characters including the Tin Man, the BFG and Elmer the elephant.

All ten shortlisted entries can be viewed by clicking here.