The Cloister Appleby holds Easter Harry Potter event

Harry Potter enthusiasts are being invited to dress up as their favourite character to mark the return of The Cupboard Under the Stairs’s own Hagrid.

The Cupboard Under the Stairs in The Cloister in Appleby was officially opened on Halloween last year by the Hagrid lookalike, who greeted young and old fans alike.

Hagrid is also returning on Easter Saturday, April 16, to meet visitors and take part in the bank holiday activities from midday until 4pm.

Appleby is mentioned in the JK Rowling book Quidditch Through the Ages, which was written to raise funds for the Red Nose Appeal.

Owner of the independent family-run gift shop, Jennifer Gibbons, said: "We are delighted to have our own Hagrid return to Appleby.

OWNER: Jennifer Gibbons, of the family-run gift shop

"Living in the Honorary Quidditch Town of Appleby, and being a massive Harry Potter fan, it was my dream to open a shop that shared my own passion for the wizarding.

"For Easter we are encouraging our visitors to come in fancy dress and to take part in our free Easter hunt in the shop throughout the day with prizes and a colouring competition throughout the week.

"All entries for the colouring competition need to be in by 4pm on Easter Saturday when the judging for the prizes will take place."

The Cupboard Under the Stairs team will be wearing their robes and proudly displaying their Hogwart Houses as assigned by the sorting hat over the weekend.

As well as selling official licensed Harry Potter merchandise and independently sourced unique items, Jennifer also sells gifts produced by local artisans to add to the magical gifts.