AN author tipped as the next JK Rowling was a real Harry Notter during a visit to a Kingswinford school.

Irishman Derek Landy's fantasy novel Skulduggery Pleasant, published earlier this month, has been described as the hottest children's fiction release of 2007.

Year eight pupils at Summerhill School, Lodge Lane, were geared up for a visit from Derek, whose trademark magic tricks include making flames leap from his fingers.

As the excited children gathered for the talk, on Wednesday April 18, a fire blanket of red tape descended on the display as teachers were told the former farmer could not get a licence for his routine.

Vanessa Hill, from Summerhill School, said: "We were not told this until he was well into his talk, so the kids were really disappointed.

"However they did enjoy the talk and lots of them bought the book."

The plot of Skulduggery Pleasant revolves around a skeleton detective and his 12-year-old sidekick, Stephanie.

The duo battle The Faceless Ones for control of The Sceptre of The Ancients in a story mixing magic and humour in a tale of good against evil.

The book is Derek's first novel although, with a £1m publishing deal in the bag and negotiations for film rights under way, he is already promising a follow-up will soon be on the shelves.

Skulduggery Pleasant is available from book shops, published by Harper Collins.