Following the worldwide premiere of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, Robbie Coltrane beamed: "The fans won't be disappointed" - and our Echo poll earlier this week proved him right.

As one of the most eagerly anticipated films for years, expectations for the big-screen adaptation of JK Rowling's best-selling books have been high.

And as so many young fans know the books inside out, the pressure on Warner Brothers to get the film right was even more immense.

But they have succeeded in producing a faithful re-creation of Rowling's first book, packed with stunning special effects and founded on sparkling performances from all the main characters.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter, could have been born for the part, portraying the exact blend of modesty and bravery to make him a believable hero.

We first see him enduring a miserable childhood with his bullying Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths), callous Aunt Petunia (Fiona Shaw) and spoiled cousin Dudley (Harry Melling), who force him to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs.

But Harry's life changes forever on his 11th birthday, when he learns he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own.

Soon he is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, and finds the home and family he has never had.

There he makes firm friends with the likes of know-it-all Hermione, played by the sublimely prim Emma Watson, and his closest cohort Ron Weasley, cheerfully portrayed by Rupert Grint.

And there is also Hagrid, the giant groundsman of Hogwarts, a perfect role for Robbie Coltrane, who acts as a kind of guardian to Harry but seems to be harbouring a mysterious secret of his own.

There are also enemies to fight, most notably the power-crazed Professor Snape, a character made delightfully sinister by Alan Rickman.

Then there is the leering trio of classroom bullies - Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), Gregory Goyle (Joshua Herdman) and Vincent Crabbe (James Waylett) - who are in Slytherin house.

Full of cunning folk with a thirst for the dark arts, Slytherin are bitter foes of Harry's house, Gryffindor, who are renowned for their daring and bravery.

And there is no more fitting a setting for such intense rivalry to spark to life than in the high-octane games of Quidditch.

This thrilling section of the film will probably become the talking point in playgrounds around the country as the wizards and witches take to their broomsticks for an airborne extravaganza of skill and derring-do.

The film captures the essence of banter in the school - but it has a dark edge and is scary enough to appeal to older children.

Tension mounts as Harry, Hermione and Ron learn Professor Snape seems bent on seizing the Philosopher's Stone, which will turn metal into gold and produce the Elixir of Life.

For anyone who knows the novel world of Harry Potter, this will be a joy to watch - and for anyone who is yet to read them it will be a treat.