Book publisher Bloomsbury said today it was confident it had a strong pipeline of new titles to boost trading in the post Harry Potter era.

The Afghan government has banned 'The Kite Runner' film from cinemas and DVD shops, an official said today, although Afghan shop owners with stalls at US military bases are still selling the movie there.

Magazine and book UK printing firm St Ives today said annual profits rose 14% after it weathered “extremely challenging” trading conditions.

Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury today said it was “back on track” after it enjoyed a strong run of best-selling hits.

Publishing company Bloomsbury said today that a magical performance from child wizard Harry Potter in the first half of 2003 helped it to one of the busiest six-month periods in its history.