This unlocks the power of the wand to the new owner who feels the energy flowing from the enchanted wood into their hands. Picking the wand up with the hand they write with, they can then use it to cast spells.

In the few months the shop has been open, sandwiched between a church charity shop and shabby chic store on the village's high street, it has attracted sorcerers from all over the country.

But Richard says he only wants to attract true believers in magic and can detect Hogwarts fans wanting his wands for their collections of memorabilia by their aura.

He said: "JK Rowling has obviously done her research but Harry Potter is for children. It has done nothing for business.

"You wouldn't believe how many real witches and wizards there are knocking about. You would be amazed. They know they can come here in reveal themselves without people thinking they're mental.

"I don't have customers who have been Harry Potterfied. If I had someone come in wanting a wand just because they liked Harry Potter I would not sell them one, not matter how much money they were offering.

"I can tell what people are like when they walk in by their aura." He would also spot dark wizards and witches the same way and will not sell wands to those wanting to hex other people or perform curses.