PROTESTERS are staging demonstrations outside a Bournemouth cinema against the blockbusting Harry Potter Film.

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone has shattered cinema box office records on both sides of the Atlantic, pulling in a massive £12 million in Britain since its release on Friday.

But some Bournemouth Christians believe the film is a bad influence on youngsters and could tempt them into witchcraft.

The protesters, who attend the New Covenant Church, St Swithuns Centre, Gervis Road, Bournemouth, held up placards and shouted warnings to cinema goers queuing to watch the film at the Odeon on Westover Road.

Representatives from both the New Covenant Church and Wessex Christian Centre say they have not officially sanctioned a protest but share the concerns about the film.

Protest leader Dean Jones, 37, who attends the Wessex Christian Centre, said: "I used to be very much involved in the occult until God showed me it was wrong.

"I have seen a preview of the film and it shows how to cast spells and encourages young people to get involved in things like blood sacrifice portraying it in a comical way. That is very dangerous.

"Children are very innocent and often do not understand the difference between wrong and right. This film will encourage them to find out about witchcraft."

Rodney La Trobe from the Wessex Christian Centre in Westover Road said they supported the protesters' views.

He said church members plan to hand warning leaflets to Harry Potter fans at Bournemouth cinemas this week.

He added: "We do identify with Dean very closely in his concerns."

Cinema manager of the Odeon and ABC cinemas Martin Waller said it had been a "record weekend" and that the protest had done little to discourage Harry Potter fans from seeing the film.

Mr Waller said: "No-one paid much attention to the protesters. People weren't being put off. But everyone has a right to their opinion. And they didn't interfere with the customers."

A hard-hitting video Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged is also being shown at some churches in the area warning parents of the risks of allowing youngsters access to Harry Potter.

Churches which have organised showings of the video include Christ Church in Westbourne and New Covenant Church, St Swithuns Centre in Gervis Road.

Warning

Letters have also been sent to parents by a Dorset headteacher warning them the Harry Potter film could lead to children exploring less than suitable internet sites.

The letter was sent by Richard Nicholl, headteacher of the 340-pupil independent Castle Court School at Corfe Mullen.

It is believed the letters say the film could prompt children to explore internet links to so-called Harry Potter websites which are in fact a front for more sinister issues.

Not all parents share the concerns of the headteacher with some dismissing the letters as a joke.

One father, who declined to be named, told the Daily Echo: "It was absolutely laughable. We just threw it in the bin once we'd read it.

"Our child has read the book and we are not going to stop him from seeing the film.

"There are far worse programmes on the television."

Mr Nicholl declined to comment on the exact contents of his letter but added: "I wrote it before the film went on release as I wanted parents to be alert and to be wise.

"It was a personal letter to my parents and I am disappointed one of them did not come to me with their concerns as I would be happy to talk about it with them."

He said he had received expressions of thanks from some parents.