Greek and Latin versions of Harry Potter due

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is to be published in Latin and Ancient Greek.

Publishers Bloomsbury claim the translations will make learning the languages much more fun.

Peter Needham, who taught Latin and Greek at Eton, has been asked to translate the book.

Emma Matthewson, Rowling's editor at Bloomsbury, said: "We aren't under any illusions that Latin and Greek will be best-sellers but we think that it will mean much more fun lessons for anyone studying Latin and Greek."

The books are due to be published in 2003.