JK Rowling: The books are "very moral"

The toy shop owner's decision could end up costing his business as much as �500,000 as Harry Potter looks like being one of the top toys this Christmas.

Mr Grant, a Christian, told the Telegraph: "I am not happy to turn what is good reading into roleplay.

"My concern is that children start off with something quite innocent which can get out of hand.

"As a parent I do not want them drawn into ouija boards and the occult."

The film of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is released in the UK in November - just in time for the Christmas market.

The books have proved a huge phenomenon, with midnight openings for the release of each new title.

Toys in the range include costumes, figurines and board games.

Mr Grant's Christian values have also led him to stop stocking Halloween toys and other occult-themed toys.

Daniel Radcliffe plays the young magician in the upcoming film

His stance follows a primary school in Kent decision to ban all the Harry Potter books from classes, claiming they go against the teachings of the bible.

St Mary's Island Church of England Aided School in Chatham said the nature of the stories did not fit in with the school's "church ethos".

Some American states were also upset when the books were released, with parents saying they were unhappy at the way they depicted death, evil and hatred.

Author JK Rowling has hit back at complaints, saying the books were "very moral" in their representation of the struggle between good and evil.