GREENWICH councillor Harry Potter has been chased down the street by screaming children thanks to his spellcasting namesake.

His claim to be the original Harry Potter has even been recognised by the author of the fantasy novels JK Rowling.

The Liberal Democrat councillor's life has changed following the phenomenal success of the Harry Potter books, films and merchandise.

Cllr Potter, 48, of Courtlands Avenue, Lee Green, has had to learn to live with the reaction he gets when he tells people his name.

The councillor for Middle Park and Sutcliffe ward said: "People love it, especially the children. When I was canvassing, parents would come to the door with their children. When I told them my name, a posse of kids followed me down the street shouting Look, there goes Harry Potter. Get him.'

"Other councillors have told me they think it is an unfair advantage at election time because everybody recognises my name. I just tell them I was born with it."

Cllr Potter is a barrister and has found his name sets him apart in court.

He added: "When I am in court and I tell them my name, even the most cantankerous judges just smile benignly. Mine is the only name they always remember."

But when Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second book in the series which is now also a film, came out, he felt the need to lay claim to his identity.

"I wrote to JK Rowling because I worked in Barnards Second Chamber, in Holborn, as a barrister at the time. I told her there was a real Harry Potter who had his own chamber of secrets.

"She wrote back to me Dear Harry Potter, from JK Rowling'. That will be my pension fund.

"She thanked me for my letter and explained she chose Harry because it was her favourite name and the Potters were her neighbours."

But the real Harry Potter shares few traits with the young wizard.

"I don't wear glasses, I don't have any friends called Ron or Hermione and I wasn't bullied at school. But I suppose some of my legal clients might think I'm a bit of a magician."

Do you know somebody who shares a name with a famous person or character? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885703 or email: newsroom@london.newsquest.co.uk