IT’S 20 years since the world first heard of the boy wizard Harry Potter.

He sprung from the imagination of Joanne Rowling, who had written much of her first book in cafes while living on benefits as a single mother.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone only saw the light of day after 12 publishers turned it down. But the book – together with its six sequels and their film adaptations – became a worldwide phenomenon and made JK Rowling a multimillionaire.

The launch of each Harry Potter book became a huge event, with fans queuing outside bookshops at midnight to lay their hands on the next volume. Bookshops, schools and libraries have all joined in the fun over the years.

Take a look at our gallery of Harry Potter pictures and see whether you spot yourself in any of them.

Incidentally, Dorset has two Harry Potter links that we know of. Highcliffe-raised actor Guy Henry played Pius Thicknesse in the two-part Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film adaptation, while former Bournemouth Sinfonietta leader Richard Studt played on John Williams’ memorable music score to Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone.

Of course, it’s possible that you’ll know of some more.