Rare Harry Potter book owned by Cumbrian woman sells for £8,000

The edition, which has never been released for general sale, of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, went to a bidder within the UK - and remains to be one of only 15 special editions in circulation. 

Original owner and now childcare practitioner, Chloe Esslemont, entered a competition when she was 16 in 2012 whilst studying at The Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton. 

The competition saw the teenager at the time write a letter in 50 words explaining why she loved JK Rowling's Harry Potter books. 

The book signed by author J K Rowling (Image: Hansons)

Chloe was amongst the 14 runner ups of the exclusive competition, bagging her a copy of her beloved childhood, signed by JK Rowling herself. 

The book went under the hammer at auctioneers Hansons Library Auction in Staffordshire on December 16.

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Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “We were delighted to achieve a hammer price of £8,000 for our vendor. This exceptionally rare Harry Potter book, one of only 15, sparked worldwide interest among keen collectors.

"It’s an excellent return for something that’s been tucked away in a loft for 10 years." 

Prior to the book going to auction, Chloe said: "I've kept the book wrapped up in the attic for years. I got into Harry Potter when I was five.

"That's when I went to see my first film. I loved it and started reading all the books.

"Everyone was Potter mad when I was at school. I dressed up as Hermione for World Book Day and my nan knitted me a Gryffindor scarf.

"I still like the Potter books but I won this prize 10 years ago, it's been gathering dust and the money would be useful now. I am very excited about the auction.

"I'll be watching online," she said.

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