Hollywood star Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick in the movie adaptations of the best-selling JK Rowling books, was in Holme, near Peterborough, to compere a bewitching fun day devoted to the boy wizard.

And his appearance at the spectacle helped conjure up about £6,000, which will help buy equipment for Holme Pre-School.

As well as hosting a charity auction, chock full of coveted props and memorabilia, the down-to-earth screen favourite – who also starred in some of the Star Wars films – was on hand to sign autographs and chat to youngsters gripped by Pottermania.

With the display of live owls and the enchanting setting of Holmewood Hall, visitors could have been forgiven for thinking they had been transported to mystical Hogwarts.

Many of the visitors had come dressed as fantasy characters for the big day, and they flocked from far and wide to snap up some of the money-can't-buy lots at the event.

The most popular lot was a signed Quidditch World Cup programme, which raised a collective gasp when it went under the hammer for £2,000.

And an original wand box used in The Philosopher's Stone and signed by Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe, was hot on its heels after a telephone bidder splashed out £470 for the collectors' item.

But even fans with more modest budgets didn't head home empty-handed.

Andrew Grieves (14) bought a signed ticket stub from the London premiere of the first Harry Potter film, which he will frame and proudly hang on his bedroom wall. He said: "It is exciting to see all the Harry Potter memorabilia.

"I love Harry Potter. I love how the books are written and that it's a different world, and the magic is great."

Nathan McQue (14), from Parnwell, Peterborough, said: "I'm a big fan of Harry Potter. I like the mythical creatures best. My favourite is the hippogriff, which is half-eagle and half-horse."

One of the organisers from the pre-school committee Lisa Blackman, thanked Warwick, who has a child at the pre-school, as well as the team of helpers, for their dedication.

She added: "It's been amazing. We have had bigger numbers come through the gates than we ever expected.

"We owe Warwick an enormous thank-you. He did not stop working all day, and another thank-you goes out to all of our helpers. They all worked so hard to make it a truly magical day."

Warwick Davis said: "People were really intrigued by the auction. Even if they didn't want to buy anything, they were keen to have a look.

"The star lot was the quidditch program, and, without that, we wouldn't have raised as much as we did.

"This pre-school was facing closure, like many are, but they are a very important part of village life and should be supported."

He revealed that he has a raft of projects in the pipeline, including filming for the fifth Harry Potter and appearing with Daniel Radcliffe and Ricky Gervais in Extras in September.

£3,140 raised in special auction

> Quidditch World cup programme: £2,000

> A signed photo of Harry and Seamus from Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone signed by Daniel Radcliffe and Devon Murray: £150

> A Light Sabre FX: £85

> Set of three Wallace & Gromit – Curse of the WereRabbit collectable figures from Cards Inc: £25 each

> Warwick Davis' original Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire London Premiere ticket signed by Warwick Davis: £65

> A 20-minute trial flying lesson from Connington Airport: £50

> Darth Maul 8 x 10 photo from The Phantom Menace, signed by Ray Park: £40

> Darth Vader 8 x 10 photo from The Empire Strikes Back, signed by actor Dave Prowse: £10.50

> Original wand box used in The Philosopher's Stone and signed by Daniel Radcliffe: £470

The auction raked in a whopping £3,140 overall.