Animal magic!

Dobcross businessman James Wells and friends

Businessman James Wells thought it would be a wizard idea to buy an unusual addition to the gardens surrounding his sedate home.

So he invested in an imposing 7ft tall statue of a bearded wizard complete with broomstick, cape and pointed hat!

The statue stands on the front driveway of his detached Dobcross home, where passers-by ask if their children can come in and take a closer look.

“I never thought there would be such interest,” said James. “But now I get a regular stream of visitors asking if they can take photographs.

“I was fascinated when I first saw the statue. It was beautifully made and a real eye-catcher.”

The wizard cast its own magic spell over James (66) - who is now filling the gardens at Tamebank House with similarly quirky items.

A giant eagle perches over a front gate on the driveway; a replica fox and some meerkats stand in an arched garden gate alcove; a fearsome gorilla beckons from the front doorstep, and a life-like wolf peers out of bushes on one of the floral borders.

They are joined by a wide range of dogs and a black panther - all lit by night.

James’ mother Irene, who lives nearby, said: “Goodness knows what will arrive next."